Fast-food outlets in the UK will soon be required to eliminate plastic cutlery, plates, and trays from their establishments. The ban on single-use plastic materials, including bowls, will come into effect on October 1. However, there are exceptions to the ban, such as items that are already packaged or supplied to other businesses. Polystyrene cups and containers will also be prohibited, except if they require further preparation before consumption.
Restaurant owners have been advised to use up their existing stock of plastic items before the ban takes effect to avoid the risk of fines. The ban extends to online sales, over-the-counter purchases, and the supply of items from both new and existing stock.
This move follows the introduction of similar rules in Scotland in June 2020 and the announcement of a ban in Wales in September of the same year. England had already banned single-use plastic straws, stirrers, and cotton buds since October 2020, which drew criticism from customers of popular fast-food chains like McDonald’s and Starbucks.
Thérèse Coffey, the UK’s Environment Secretary, stated that this ban aims to protect the environment by reducing plastic pollution. Local authorities will conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the new regulations. Businesses found to be in violation may be required to cover the costs of investigations, with a 28-day appeals process available.
This ban on single-use plastic cutlery and other items will have a significant impact on reducing the pollution caused by billions of pieces of plastic. It represents a step forward in the UK’s efforts to protect the natural environment for future generations.
Sources:
– BBC News (source article)