Prince George’s County is considering a ban on the sale and distribution of plastic straws and stirrers according to a recent article from The Washington Informer.

From the article:

County Council’s Transportation, Infrastructure, Energy and Environment Committee recommended approval Thursday, Oct. 10, to ban non-compostable straws and stirrers. 

The committee’s 3-0 vote occurred on the last day the group would meet this year before County Council’s legislative session ends at the end of the year. The legislation plans to be introduced Oct. 22 before the full council. 

“I’m not at looking to overly fine folks. It’s more about getting compliance than it is about getting revenue,” said Councilman Tom Dernoga (D-District 1) of Laurel, who serves as the lead sponsor of the legislation. 

According to the proposed bill, it wouldn’t go into effect until July 1. Fines and other penalties wouldn’t be enforced until Jan. 1, 2021. 

A first-time offense would be a written warning, $250 for a second violation, and $1,000 fine for a third offense within 12 months. 

The legislation requires the county’s Department of the Environment to conduct an outreach campaign before and during implementation. Some of the education would include sending mailers to affected businesses, distributing information online, and promotions through news releases and events. 

The bill adds an exception that allows businesses to distribute straws to disabled customers. 

The legislation mirrors a bill passed last year in neighboring Charles County, and D.C. inspectors began this summer to enforce the straw ban. 

For the full article, visit The Washington Informer’s website.