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Vancouver’s ban on the unnecessary use of plastic straws and Styrofoam food containers could be delayed until next year after small businesses requested more time to find alternatives.
The extension will be requested of council on Wednesday, the city explained.
Vancouver launched its strategy to reduce the impact of plastic and paper shopping bags, disposable cups, takeout containers, plastic straws and single-use utensils last spring with the goal of having bans in place by June 1.
There won’t be an outright ban on straws but rather a reduction of their use.
That is because some people with disabilities and other health challenges need them to drink.
The staff report requests to extend the start date for a ban on foam cups and take-out containers to Jan. 1 and a ban on unnecessary plastic straws to next April.
It explained that another report this November will provide more details on the proposed bylaws.
“The request to extend the start dates for the ban on foam cups, foam take-out containers and the unnecessary use of plastic straws is in response to stakeholder feedback, particularly from small businesses, who have indicated that the most meaningful support the city can provide is enough time for businesses to find convenient, affordable and accessible alternatives,” the city said.
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