(WCMH) – A California lawmaker has introduced legislation making it a crime for a server to provide unsolicited plastic straws in restaurants.

Ian Calderon, the majority leader in California’s lower house, introduced the measure a week ago.

If passed, the bill would make it illegal to provide single-use plastic straws to consumers unless requested by the consumer. The legislation exempts take-out and fast food restaurants.

A violation of the law would be a misdemeanor punishable by a $25 to $1,000 fine and/or a six-month jail sentence.

“We need to create awareness around the issue of one-time use plastic straws and its detrimental effects on our landfills, waterways, and oceans,” said Calderon. “AB 1884 is not ban on plastic straws. It is a small step towards curbing our reliance on these convenience products, which will hopefully contribute to a change in consumer attitudes and usage.”

A press release from Calderon’s office says an estimated 500 million straws are used in the United States each day, enough to fill more than 127 school buses.

The San Francisco Chronicle reported the proposal is far short of an outright ban that some environmental groups are pushing for.

http://nbc4i.com/2018/01/25/ca...ws-unless-requested/

I’d much prefer that they ask rather than just dumping straws for everyone. I don’t use straws and prefer to avoid the clutter and waste. That said, the last thing I want is another moron legislator making another useless law.

I used to think that as part of every new law they should be required to remove two old ones. That way (hopefully) we don’t get buried in useless regulation and you only add a new law when it is worth taking out two old ones. I’m well past two now. I’m not sure twenty five would be enough...

Of all the silly shit going on in Kalifornistan, this would seem to be the silliest, most insane I have ever seen, or could even imagine.

How about we solve that problem? Just outlaw Kalifornistan! Or maybe continue that wall along our southern border up the east coast of Kali.

Ah California...debating what color to paint the house, as the house burns to the ground.

I don't use a straw. I'm a grown up and quite able to drink right out of the glass. That being said, GIVE ME A BRAKE CALIFORNIA! With all the problems that state has, this is a focus for them?
Rod

What attracts people to that state again?

While the weather may be nice, who in their right mind would think weather is worth putting up with that crazy shit for?

Good grief! Next thing will be only allowing 3 squares of toilet paper! Save the trees and environment.

Actually, now that I think about it, back when I was a kid there was no such thing as a plastic straw. They were some sort of waxed paper spiraled wound.

It is a good idea but should be a educational thing and not a law with fines. they love their nanny state there don't they.

It's about the turtles, bruh.

quote:

exempts take-out and fast food restaurants

Well aren't take-out and fast food places the vast majority of use?

Mr. Smith, how do you plead to the charge of issuing a single use straw without a request from the customer to do so?
Not Guilty, your honor, that wasn't intended to be a single use straw... I planned on washing it and giving it to the next customer.

It seems to me a better solution would be to require that all straws be made from a biodegradable plastic. (if they aren't already)

Wonder what the cost of enforcement will be?

The Fight For 15!!!



....years in prison for waiters and waitresses who give out straws.


What a load of nanny state nonsense.

quote:

Originally posted by Edmond:
What attracts people to that state again?

While the weather may be nice, who in their right mind would think weather is worth putting up with that crazy shit for?

I lived in Santa Barbara from 1974 to 1977. Great weather, good salt water fishing when the bait fish moved in, and lots of shooting each weekend at the Winchester Canyon Gun Range.

http://wcgc.org/

Also fresh water fishing at Cachuma Lake.

quote:

Originally posted by sig sailor:
I don't use a straw. I'm a grown up and quite able to drink right out of the glass.

That's what I thought, then my wife pointed out that the straw, which you receive in a sealed wrapper, is likely way more sanitary than the rim of the glass.

quote:

Originally posted by OKCGene:
Good grief! Next thing will be only allowing 3 squares of toilet paper! Save the trees and environment.

Thanks, if a CA state legislator happens to get wind of this, we will see the legislation here before year end. They wlil probably mandate a smartphone app to monitor and report toilet paper use. (But all in the name of saving the universe)

If they really want to clean up the environment, they should ban disposable diapers. That would solve two problems, less garbage and fewer California babies

Wait until the straw lobby gets wind of this.

(I also don't care to use a straw. But regulating them is absurd.)

Yup, thats the new big fight for the enviro's and their quest for utopia, Tim Robbin's even put out a documentary about it titled Straws. It's all a branch off the anti-plastic quest and highlighting the plastic patches in the oceans. While I hate straws and get mildly annoyed when waitresses automatically include them with EVERY SINGLE DRINK...making it a legislative issue is ridiculous.

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/...ronment-11183903.php

Well, this is the last straw!