Legislation proposing the addition of a section to the California Health and Safety Code regarding single-use plastic straws in food facilities has made its way to the assembly floor as of April 16. The act, introduced by assembly members Richard Bloom and Ian Calderon on Jan. 17, would prohibit a restaurant from providing single-use plastic straws unless specifically requested by the customer.
If passed, the legislation would require local health agencies around the state to enforce the act at food establishments. If violated, a person or party could be charged with a misdemeanor. The first two violations would result in a warning; after that, the establishment would be charged $25 per day for each day it is in violation.
The addition would specifically be applicable to “sit-down restaurants,” according to Californians Against Waste.