By creating a new crime and imposing additional enforcement duties on local health agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.” The Santa Barbara plastic straw ban is largely modeled on a state-level bill introduced by Ian Calderon, the Democratic majority leader in California’s state senate.Īccording to the proposed state-wide legislation, “This bill would prohibit a food facility, as specified, where food may be consumed on the premises from providing single-use plastic straws to consumers unless requested by the consumer.

Restaurant owners can request an exemption based on medical necessity, but granting one is at the city’s discretion. Unlike other enacted or proposed straw bans, Santa Barbara’s does not include an automatic exemption for the disabled, who often lack the ability to bring cup to lip. Each contraband straw or unsolicited plastic stirrer counts as a separate violation, so fines and jail time could stack up quickly. The city also has made any violation of its straw prohibition both an administrative infraction carrying a $100 fine and a misdemeanor, punishable by a maximum fine of $1,000 and up to six months in jail. Santa Barbara… has banned even compostable straws, permitting only drinking tubes made from nonplastic materials such as paper, metal, or bamboo. The Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday unanimously passed what is likely the most punitive ban on plastic straws in the country-but restaurants will still be able to legally give out straws to customers that request them. Santa Barbara, CA – Illustrating the growing American police state, the city of Santa Barbara has passed a law that prohibits bars, restaurants, and other food service businesses from distributing plastic straws to their patrons under penalty of jail time and hefty fines.

Only in California, I wish that state would sink into the Pacific Ocean…~TS A California city has passed an over-reaching law that bans plastic straws in restaurants and slaps violators with a $1,000 fine.īy Jay Syrmopoulos | The Free Thought Project Home › Corruption › City Makes Plastic Straws From Restaurants Illegal, Violators Will Face Jail and $1,000 FineĬity Makes Plastic Straws From Restaurants Illegal, Violators Will Face Jail and $1,000 Fine

Photos police contraband straws