April 26, 2024 #1 Local News, Forum, Information and Event Source for Venice Beach, California.

The Last (Plastic) Straw?

CA lawmakers pass a straw-by-request law.

 By Sam Catanzaro

Enjoy sipping on an iced tea or lemonade with a straw? Well soon in California, beverage sippers will have to remember to ask for a straw first.

On August 23, the California Legislature passed a bill that outlaws restaurants from dispensing plastic straws unless requested by customers.

“This bill would prohibit a full-service restaurant, as specified, from providing single-use plastic straws, as defined, to consumers unless requested by the consumer,” reads the bill passed by the lawmakers on the 23rd.

A full-service restaurant is defined in the bill as an “establishment with the primary business purpose of serving food, where food may be consumed on the premises, and where specified actions are taken by an employee of the establishment.”

University dining halls and order-at-the-counter restaurants like Chipotle and McDonalds do not qualify as “full-service restaurants,” under this definition and are thus are exempt from this law.

The bill states that the first and second violations of the law will result in a notice of violation.  Any subsequent violation will be an infraction punishable by a fine of $25 for each day the restaurant continues to violate the law. Fines can exceed an annual total of $300.

The law will be enforced by the same officials who are authorized to enforce the California Retail Food Code.

“By creating a new crime and imposing additional enforcement duties on local health agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program,” the bill reads.

Nothing in this bill prevents local governing bodies from adopting and implementing ordinances that further restrict restaurants from providing single-use plastic straws, as seen with the City of Santa Monica who recently banned all form of single-use plastics.

According to the California Coastal Commission, plastic straws among the top-10 items collected since 1984 in beach cleanups across the state.

The bill, which passed with a 45-20 vote, now goes to Governor Jerry Brown for his signature.

Related Posts

California: Pioneering the Future of Online and Digital Payments

January 11, 2024

January 11, 2024

In the fast-paced digital economy of the 21st century, California has emerged as a powerhouse in the realm of online...

A Guide to the Current Gambling Situation in Canada

January 1, 2024

January 1, 2024

For centuries, gambling has woven itself into the fabric of human culture; in recent years–marking an era where evolution pervades...

Smart Strategies to Save Money in Your Entertainment Budget

December 30, 2023

December 30, 2023

Many individuals and families in today’s fast-paced world share a common goal: finding ways to save money. The entertainment budget...

California’s top sports teams.

December 1, 2023

December 1, 2023

California is known worldwide for a multitude of exciting things. They’re known for their incredible beaches, glorious sunshine, and fabulous...

Your Lucky Numbers: Six Tips Towards Lottery Success

November 30, 2023

November 30, 2023

Have you ever wondered how people win money from the lottery? They may not always hit the jackpot, but they...

Five different ways to unwind.

October 1, 2023

October 1, 2023

Modern life is always busy and it can feel like your to-do list is never ending. When you’re not working,...

Over Half of Short-Term Rentals Advertised in LA Don’t Comply With City’s Home Sharing Ordinance

April 4, 2023

April 4, 2023

Better Neighbors LA report highlights the inadequacies of enforcement measures for short-term rentals in Los Angeles, calling for increased regulation...

Venice Beach Attempted Murder Suspect Arrested in West Virginia

December 22, 2022

December 22, 2022 1

Brandon Manyo Dixon arrest in West Virginia By Sam Catanzaro A man has been arrested for the attempted murder of...

The Current Gambling Situation in California

December 1, 2022

December 1, 2022

Here’s what to know about everything from online casinos to betting in the state. In the U.S., gambling is a...

Cancer Cartel Provides Financial Help To Cancer Patients

November 16, 2022

November 16, 2022 2

Cancer Cartel is helping cancer patients focus on their treatment, not the financial stress of living with a diagnosis. Learn...

100 Miles of Bus-Only Lanes Within Five Years on City Council Plans

October 17, 2022

October 17, 2022

L.A’s public transportation network is known for being slow due to traffic congestion. A new motion by L.A. City Council...

What Is the Most Effective Way to Sell a Used Car?

October 6, 2022

October 6, 2022

It’s no secret that selling a used car can be difficult. You have to find the right buyer, negotiate a...

How Do I Know What Types of Commercial Trucking Insurance Coverage I Need?

October 1, 2022

October 1, 2022

Running a small trucking company is expensive. You must comply with many rules set forth by the Federal Motor Carriers...

Best Ways To Show Your LA Baseball Love

August 10, 2022

August 10, 2022

Los Angeles is a sports lover’s paradise. In every sport except for the NHL, locals have two teams to choose...

Inspiring Others Through Body Positivity

May 13, 2022

May 13, 2022

Navy Officer Janae Carey Teams-Up with 2022 Herbalife24 Triathlon Los Angeles . Video brought to you by Pudu Pudu.