The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) is supporting government action to ban plastic straws and stirrers, building on voluntary initiatives in the pub sector.
Voluntary initiatives have so far been extremely successful, highlighting the potential benefits of the removal of plastic straws and reflecting consumer demand, too.
BBPA members have come up with practical initiatives, such as only offering plastic straws on an ‘on-demand’ basis, to the development of straws made from seashells.
Along with other industry bodies and, in particular, the British Institute of Innkeeping, the BBPA has supported the Last Straw campaign, to reduce the numbers of plastic straws used in pubs across the country.
To ensure consistency, the BBPA believes a plastic straw ban should be applied across the food and drink sector (both in retail and hospitality) and cover all types of plastic straws, including compostable and biodegradable plastic straws.
However, it has argued that groups with accessibility needs must be able to access plastic straws. These should not only be available in pharmacies, but also hospitality outlets.
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said: “It is important we all do our bit to reduce plastic waste, and that is why we welcome the government’s proposals to ban plastic straws and stirrers.
“To help pubs reduce their plastic waste, we have already produced guidance for licensees as well.”
