HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-24-2017 Item 09 - Public Hearing - Ordinance Introduction - Review of Beverage Straws Upon Request
Meeting Date: 10/24/2017
FROM: Derek Johnson, City Manager
Prepared By: Marcus Carloni, Sustainability Coordinator
SUBJECT: REVIEW OF BEVERAGE STRAWS UPON REQUEST ORDINANCE
RECOMMENDATION
Introduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 8.09 to the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code regulating
single use beverage straws.
CITY COUNCIL DIRECTION
At the June 20, 2017 City Council Hearing, the City Council discussed the potential for a “straws
upon request” Ordinance that, if adopted, as the name implies, would require businesses to
provide single-use beverage straws to customers only upon request. Council identified this as a
priority and the work effort was added as an objective in the Climate Action Major City Goal
work program.
DISCUSSION
Consistency with City Policy
A “straws upon request” Ordinance is consistent with policies in the City’s General Plan and
Climate Action Plan. Although the General Plan Conservation Open Space Element does not
specifically address the use of single-use beverage straws, it does have a number of related
policies/goals which recognize the City’s responsibility for waste diversion, efficient use of
materials, and recycling while also acknowledging its role in encouraging residents and
businesses to do so, as well1.
Additionally, the effort is consistent with the City’s Climate Action Plan that includes a Solid
Waste chapter with an overall goal to “prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste to
minimize the amount of waste being sent to the landfill.” The CAP identifies objectives 2 such as
1 Conservation & Open Space Element (COSE) Policy 5.4.3. Material recycling in private developme nt, businesses and
operations. The City will promote waste diversion and material recycling in private development, business and operations, and
will encourage businesses or nonprofit entities to provide building materials recycling and source reduction se rvices.
COSE Policy 5.5.3. Coordinate waste reduction and recycling efforts. The City will coordinate local, and participate in
regional, household and business waste-reduction and recycling efforts.
COSE Policy 5.4.1. Best available practices. The City will employ the best available practices in materials procurement, use
and recycling, and will encourage individuals, organizations and other agencies to do likewise. “Best available practices”
means behavior and technologies that, considering available equipment, life-cycle costs, social and environmental side effects,
and the regulations of other agencies: A. Use the least amount of newly refined materials for a desired outcome; B. Direct th e
largest feasible fraction of used materials to further use; C. Avoid undesirable effects due to further use of materials.
2 Climate Action Plan WST 1: Increase Waste Diversion. Reduce the community waste stream to as close to zero
waste as possible, with 75% diversion rate by the year 2020. CAP WST 2: Public Outreach and Education. Provide
waste reduction education to the City’s consumers.
Packet Pg 197
9
increasing the waste diversion rate in the City and providing waste reduction education to the
City’s consumers.
Litter, Waste, Recycling
According to the Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) in San Luis Obispo , 400,000
straws are used every day in SLO County. These straws are not able to be recycled and are
ending up as landfill waste or as litter. Single-use straws are seen as an unnecessary waste
stream; according to IWMA, studies have shown that 80% of customers will say “no” if asked if
they want a straw. In addition, plastic straw litter is consistently found on beaches with the
potential to harm marine life. Locally, the Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO)
reports 1,111 plastic straws/stirrers were collected from local beaches at the 2016 SLO County
Coastal Cleanup Day, and 1,363 plastic straws/stirrers were collected during the 2017 cleanup
day, making plastic straws/stirrers the tenth most collected debris. Finally, the Ocean
Conservancy reports that plastic straws and stirrers were the seventh most collected item at the
2016 International Coastal Cleanup which spans 112 countries, collecting 409,097 plastic straws
and stirrers.
Proposed Ordinance
The proposed Ordinance is Attachment A to this report. Key items to know about the Ordinance
include the following:
1. What?
a. Require vendors such as restaurants, bars, and cafes to only provide customers
with a single-use beverage straw once a straw is requested.
2. Where?
a. Vendors that provide single-use beverage straws in drinks designed/intended for
on-site consumption.
3. How?
a. By local Ordinance
4. When?
a. Full Ordinance will take effect March 1, 2018.
5. Exceptions:
a. Take-out orders are exempt from the Ordinance.
PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT
Consistent with the City’s Public Engagement and Noticing Manual, staff created an Open City
Hall webpage to inform and engage community members and affected businesses. The webpage
was launched on September 18, 2017 and was sent to open city hall subscribers and website e-
notification subscribers. Staff also worked with the Downtown Association and Chamber of
Commerce to distribute to local businesses. Forty-five statements have been received as of
October 12, 2017; an equivalent of 2.3 hours of public comment at three minutes per statement.
Packet Pg 198
9
The feedback received through the Open City Hall page is provided herein as Attachment B. If
additional feedback is received through open city hall staff will distribute as agenda
correspondence.
The majority of feedback received through the Open City Hall page is in support of a “straws
upon request” ordinance. A paraphrased summary of responses is provided below:
Supportive (41 statements)
• Straws are an unnecessary waste stream.
• The customer should be able to choose whether or not they want a straw.
• Customers often do not request a straw if it’s not automatically provided.
• Businesses providing straws should use reusable straws or paper straws instead of plastic.
• This could be a cost saving measure for business owners.
Unsupportive (4 statements)
• This could place a hardship on small business and be a “pain in the neck” for customers.
• The City should promote reduce, reuse, recycle rather than additional regulations.
IMPLEMENTATION & ENFORCEMENT
The proposed Ordinance is designed to take effect approximately three months after final
adoption to allow time for staff to perform outreach and allow affected businesses time to make
the adjustment. If adopted by Council, staff will send additional notification to affected
businesses and make additional information available on the City’s website regarding
compliance with the ordinance. Staff will also be working with two local organizations (One
with Nature and ECOSLO) to develop outreach materials and go to individual businesses to
deliver the message about the new regulations.
Enforcement of the recommended changes would continue through the existing operations and
resources of Code Enforcement - Community Development Department staff. An administrative
fine structure is included in the Ordinance, however, Code Enforcement practice is to educate the
business owner prior to issuing fines.
CONCURRENCES
A team of staff including Administration, Utilities, Community Development, and Public Works
participated in the development and review of the draft ordinance.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The proposed ordinance is exempt from the environmental review requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California
Code of Regulations because it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the
activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment. Further, the proposed
Ordinance is exempt from CEQA on the separate and independent ground that it is an action of a
regulatory agency (the City) for the protection of the environment because, among other things,
Packet Pg 199
9
it will reduce the amount of single use straws that enter the local landfill, waterways, and
beaches. Thus, this Ordinance is categorically exempt from the requirements of CEQA under
Section 15308 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations as an action by a regulatory
agency for the protection of the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed Ordinance adds additional regulations to the City’s Municipal Code. All
complaints of this type are currently investigated and enforced by Code Enforcement staff. At
this time, the impacts of implementing and enforcing the additional elements of the ordinance
can be incorporated into existing resources. Additional resources may be required if further
outreach is desired during implementation.
ALTERNATIVES
1. Amend the proposed ordinance. The City Council may modify the proposed
amendments to the Municipal Code. Specific direction should be given to staff regarding
any modifications.
2. Continue the proposed ordinance. The City Council may continue action, if more
information in needed. Direction should be given to staff regarding additional
information needed to make a decision.
3. Reject the proposed ordinance. The City Council may reject the proposed ordinance
although public testimony and current research demonstrate that an ordinance is needed.
Attachments:
a - Draft Ordinance
b - Open City Hall Feedback
Packet Pg 200
9
O ______
ORDINANCE NO. #### (2017 Series)
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SAN LUIS
OBISPO, CALIFORNIA, ADDING CHAPTER 8.09 TO THE SAN LUIS
OBISPO MUNICIPAL CODE REGULATING SINGLE-USE BEVERAGE
STRAWS
WHEREAS, the City of San Luis Obispo (“City”) has the police power to protect the
health, safety and welfare of the community, including the ability to protect and enhance the
natural environment; and
WHEREAS, the City’s General Plan Conservation and Open Space Element has a number
of policies and goals (COSE 5.4.3, 5.5.3, & 5.4.1) that recognize the City’s responsibility for waste
diversion, efficient use of materials, and recycling, and encouraging residents and businesses to do
so as well; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Climate Action Plan Solid Waste Chapter has an overall goal to
prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste to minimize the amount of waste being sent to the
landfill and to provide waste reduction education to the City’s consumers; and
WHEREAS, the City’s Climate Action Plan Solid Waste Chapter has an ultimate goal of
reducing the amount of waste that ends up in the landfill which can reduce solid waste-related
greenhouse gas emissions associated with transport and organic decomposition of materials; and
WHEREAS, the Integrated Waste Management Authority (IWMA) in San Luis Obispo
reports that approximately 400,000 beverage straws are used every day in San Luis Obispo County
which are not being recycled and ending up as landfill waste or as litter; and
WHEREAS, the IWMA reports that studies have shown that 80% of customers will say
no if asked if they want a straw; and
WHEREAS, Environmental Center of San Luis Obispo (ECOSLO) reports that plastic
straws and stirrers were the #10 most collected debris at the 2017 SLO County Coastal Cleanup
Day – totaling 1,363 straws and stirrers collected; and
WHEREAS, the Ocean Conservancy reports that plastic straws and stirrers were the
number seven most collected items at the 2016 International Coastal Cleanup which spans 112
countries, collecting 409,097 plastic straws and stirrers; and
WHEREAS, regulating the use of single use beverage straws within the City will help
protect the City’s natural environment from contamination and degradation; and
WHEREAS, the City Council of the City of San Luis Obispo conducted a public hearing
in the Council Chamber of City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, California, on October
24, 2017 for the purpose of considering regulations to restrict the use of single-use beverage straws;
and
Packet Pg 201
9
Ordinance No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 2
O ______
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Council of the City of San Luis Obispo
as follows:
SECTION 1. Recitals. The above recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by
this reference as the findings of the City Council.
SECTION 2. Environmental Determination. The proposed Ordinance is exempt from the
environmental review requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
to Section 15061(b)(3) of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations because it can be seen
with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect
on the environment. Further, the proposed Ordinance is exempt from CEQA on the separate and
independent ground that it is an action of a regulatory agency (the City) for the protection of the
environment because, among other things, it will reduce the amount of single use straws that enter
the local landfill, waterways, and beaches. Thus, this Ordinance is categorically exempt from the
requirements of CEQA under Section 15308 of Title 14 of the California Code of Regulations as
an action by a regulatory agency for the protection of the environment.
SECTION 3. Action. Chapter 8.09, establishing regulations to restrict the use/distribution
of single-use beverage straws in the city, is hereby added to the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code
as follows:
Chapter 8.09 – SINGLE USE STRAWS
8.09.010 - Definitions.
The following words and phrases, whenever used in this chapter, shall have the meanings defined
in this section unless the context clearly requires otherwise:
A. “Dine-in customer” means a customer that consumes a food or beverage order on the same
premise it was ordered.
B. “Single-use” means a product that is designed to be only used one time in its same form by the
customer, food vendor or entity.
C. “Take-out food orders” means prepared meals or other food or beverage items that a customer
purchases at an establishment and are intended for consumption elsewhere.
D. “Vendor” means any business providing food or beverages within the City of San Luis Obispo.
8.09.020 – Beverage Straws Upon Request
On or after March 1, 2018, any vendor shall ask each dine-in customer if the customer wants a
single use beverage straw before providing a single use beverage straw to the customer.
8.09.030 – Exceptions
Packet Pg 202
9
Ordinance No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 3
O ______
Take-out food orders are exempt from this ordinance.
8.09.040 Implementation and Enforcement
A. In addition to any other remedy authorized by this code, any violation of the provisions of this
chapter by any person or restaurant is subject to administrative fines as provided in Chapter
1.24 of this code.
SECTION 4. Severability. If any subdivision, paragraph, sentence, clause, or phrase of
this Ordinance is, for any reason, held to be invalid or unenforceable by a court of competent
jurisdiction, such invalidity or unenforceability shall not affect the validity or enforcement of the
remaining portions of this Ordinance, or any other provisions of the city’s rules and regulations. It
is the city’s express intent that each remaining portion would have been adopted irrespective of
the fact that any one or more subdivisions, paragraphs, sentences, clauses, or phrases be declared
invalid or unenforceable.
SECTION 5. Effective Dates. A summary of this Ordinance, together with the names of
Council members voting for and against, shall be published at least five (5) days prior to its final
passage, in The Tribune, a newspaper published and circulated in this Cit y. This Ordinance shall
go into effect on March 1, 2018. A copy of the full text of this Ordinance shall be on file in the
Office of the City Clerk on and after the date following introduction and passage to print and shall
be available to any member of the public.
INTRODUCED on the ____ day of ____, 2017, AND FINALLY ADOPTED by the
Council of the City of San Luis Obispo on the ____ day of ____, 2017, on the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
____________________________________
Mayor Heidi Harmon
ATTEST:
____________________________________
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Packet Pg 203
9
Ordinance No. _____ (2017 Series) Page 4
O ______
_____________________________________
J. Christine Dietrick
City Attorney
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the official seal of the City
of San Luis Obispo, California, this ______ day of ______________, _________.
______________________________
Carrie Gallagher
City Clerk
Packet Pg 204
9
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM
Open City Hall is not a certified voting system or ballot box. As with any public comment process, participation in Open City Hall is
voluntary. The statements in this record are not necessarily representative of the whole population, nor do they reflect the opinions of
any government agency or elected officials.
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a
straw is requested?
Packet Pg 205
9
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM, this forum had:
Attendees: 111
All Statements: 45
Hours of Public Comment: 2.3
This topic started on September 18, 2017, 5:05 PM.
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 2 of 9
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a
straw is requested?
Packet Pg 206
9
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 1 (registered)October 11, 2017, 2:49 AM
This is a long-overdue regulation in my opinion. Let's please make this happen!
Name not available (unclaimed) October 10, 2017, 6:56 PM
This issue is preposterous. I can hardly believe that we are paying government employees to waste their time
on this.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 7 (registered)October 10, 2017, 9:51 AM
I support straws on request option
Name not available (unclaimed)October 10, 2017, 7:12 AM
Dtraws are bad for the environment, made of plastic and bad for wildlife. They do not decompose well. I like thid
proposed rule, I think it will help reduce waste.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 9, 2017, 1:28 PM
As a local resident I support the effort to curtail the use of beverage straws unless they are specifically
requested by consumers. Even when they are requested I would like to see a provision where only bio-
degradable straws can be provided. Living within 4 blocks of a convenience store/market I see a lot of
discarded trash along neighborhood streets, and plastic straws are certainly among the frequent offensive
materials. Any actions to reduce this blight would benefit our community.
Ellie Vendegna outside Neighborhoods (registered)October 9, 2017, 8:54 AM
Once I learned about how wasteful single use straws were I immediately switched to using reusable cups with
reusable straws. It is an easy change and removing these wasteful plastics would encourage people to buy
reusable materials.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 8, 2017, 10:13 PM
Just as with the water bottles, there is no need to provide more plastic to throw away. We must continue to take
steps to do what is best for this planet. Let SLO be among the leaders.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 8, 2017, 12:40 PM
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested?
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 3 of 9
Packet Pg 207
9
I support this proposal. Reducing plastic use and disposal is an honorable city priority.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 8 (registered)October 8, 2017, 12:29 AM
We have far too much plastic in our land, our ocean AND IN our bodies. This is common sense! Yes Yes YES.
And agree, only water if asked.
Nancy Cohn outside Neighborhoods (registered)October 7, 2017, 7:59 PM
When I was walking a beach in Mexico I picked up in one half hour over 100 plastic straws. I see absolutely no
need for plastic straws period, but if someone asks why not use paper straws. Plastic straws create so much
waste and pollution. This can be a no brainer just like the ban on smoking. Once people get used to it, it no
longer is even an issue.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 6 (registered) October 7, 2017, 7:36 PM
HECK YES, let's ban some more stuff we do not like. Using the power of government to achieve our personal,
but noble , goals is what liberal democracy is about. The end justifies the means. Let us have many more
meetings so we can ban a bunch more stuff that will help Mother Earth. I love the environment so anything
someone thinks banning might help should be banned. It's the least we can do if we truly care. The science is
settled! Jail the deniers.....
If only government had more power and authority think what a world we could have.
Ban on my fellow ban-ers and darn be he who cries banned enough.......
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 6 (registered)October 7, 2017, 6:01 PM
Sure. Upon request seems an easy modification of a habit. I'd like to see a similar effort with take-out food
where restaurants would NOT automatically include plasticware with the order. I image that most people do
take-out for home use and thus have utensils handy anyways.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 7, 2017, 5:32 PM
Yes! I would say to disallow them unless required for accessibility, but I suppose this is a good first step. You
could also consider requiring restaurants to provide only paper straws upon request for single use and
reuseable for within restaurants. Plastic cups for one time use should also head the way of straws and
polystyrene, with only paper cups available.
Name not shown outside Neighborhoods (registered)October 7, 2017, 5:06 PM
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested?
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 4 of 9
Packet Pg 208
9
I support requiring customers to ask for a straw and not have one provided automatically. I would like to see
only metal or compostable straws when requested.
Rick Castello outside Neighborhoods (registered)October 7, 2017, 8:04 AM
I support having straws be optional, and additionally would encourage the drink sellers to offer for purchase a
reusable and more eco-friendly metal or plastic (or bamboo?) straw, similar to the way it's done with reusable
bags, as it gives businesses an opportunity for additional revenue and branding in return for the additional effort
they'll be required to go through with the change.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 7, 2017, 7:47 AM
We fully support phasing out single use straws ~ we carry our own stainless steel straws and even when we
request no plastic straws, servers still put them in drinks. Maybe food vendors could offer stainless steel straws
for sale onsite, or at least biodegradable paper straws, for customers that would like to use a straw but didn't
bring one. Once straws are seen as an option rather than as a given, consumers will begin to bring their own,
just like reusable shopping bags. With community education and encouragement will come strong community
support ~ save the oceans and keep SLO green!
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 7 (registered)October 6, 2017, 8:26 PM
Agree with providing straws only on request. I'd like to see businesses provide real spoons for stirring coffee
and real plates and utensils for food. Only paper and plastic for take out. Look to Arcata and what they've done.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2017, 8:16 PM
I think it's a great idea -- I'd like to see all food businesses have real spoons for stirring coffee and plates and
utensils. Make plastic and paper only upon request or for take out. Look to Arcata and their laws in this -- so
much less waste.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2017, 8:02 PM
I think it's a great idea to only serve straws to patrons who ask for them but I don't think this needs to be a
government regulation. Let food and beverage establishment owners and managers decide for themselves what
their policies will be.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2017, 7:46 PM
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested?
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 5 of 9
Packet Pg 209
9
It's an idea who's time has come. We don't need them and if you like to use them bring your own reusable one.
I have a stainless steel one. We need to stop contributing to the plastic load in the ocean.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 1 (registered)October 6, 2017, 3:24 PM
I think all straws should be banned all together! They are terrible for our landfills, and are totally unnecessary.
Please work to ban all plastic materials in SLO county!
Name not available (unclaimed)October 6, 2017, 2:26 PM
No more straws! I carry reusable straws on my person to avoid single use plastics. One at work, one in my bag
and a couple at home. Any progress on this is good progress
Name not shown outside Neighborhoods (registered)October 6, 2017, 12:34 PM
Yes! Great idea. One step towards having less plastic and waste. Next step biodegradable straws, because far
as i understand they would cause less harm if they entered into our waterways and oceans.
October 6, 2017, 11:36 AMName not shown inside Neighborhood 5 (registered)
HAHAHAHA!!!! DO IT!!! This is perfect for SLO, a formerly nice place to live.
Name not available (unclaimed)October 5, 2017, 5:38 PM
I support the proposal.
Jeffery Andrews inside Neighborhood 12 (registered)October 5, 2017, 5:34 PM
Not only should the straws be provided upon request, but they should also be made of a reusable or
compostable material. We've done away with plastic bags, time to do the same with plastic straws!
http://www.ecocycle.org/bestrawfree/faqs
Elena Wolff inside Neighborhood 1 (registered)October 4, 2017, 2:42 PM
This is a great start to reducing plastic in the waste stream, and the use of single use plastics in general. I work
in a restaurant, and have tested out only giving customers straws when they request them. If I don't provide a
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested?
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 6 of 9
Packet Pg 210
9
straw and the customer wants one, they will ask me to provide one for them. However, more often than not, the
customer will happily drink their beverage without a straw. Putting straws in every beverage served is so
unnecessarily wasteful, and this regulation seems like a great middle ground to stop excessive waste while not
taking anything away from businesses or customers. I am in full support of this regulation!
Name not available (unclaimed)October 2, 2017, 10:30 PM
Why not encourage our businesses and City vendors to transition to compostable straws? We banned
styrofoam "to go" containers but not the practice of buying food "to go". Apply this approach to straws. Getting a
plastic, single-use straw on demand is not a sustainable solution because it doesn't avoid the impact of the
plastic straw. It might decrease the number of straws disposed eventually but straws are sold/purchased in
large quantities by businesses. We can change the tool without changing the behavior and achieve a better
outcome. Using a straw is not a bad behavior if the straw's material has minimal to no negative environmental
impact.
Krista Kolby outside Neighborhoods (registered)September 28, 2017, 5:22 PM
The thing is, if we are going to ban plastic bottles then we are going to have to go to cups which will most likely
need a lid and a straw both made out of plastic. If we aren't going to allow plastic bottles, then we must be
diligent about the type of cups that will now begin filling the trash cans and the landfill. It isn't really a solution. I
agree that plastic bottles need to go away but I certainly don't want to create a situation where we are using
mountains of cups, lids and straws either. Definitely need to ban polystyrene before we ban plastic bottles or
there will be an uptick in polystyrene cup use. We all know that polystyrene does not decompose and will stay
on earth forever. Frankly it is shocking that it is still in use.
Name not available (unclaimed)September 28, 2017, 3:15 PM
I am all for it. Can't think of a downside except to the straw manufacturers.
Name not shown outside Neighborhoods (registered)September 22, 2017, 9:33 AM
I absolutely support the idea of only giving plastic straws upon request. It will help the business owners in cost,
and reduce unnecessary waste.
Name not available (unclaimed)September 21, 2017, 5:07 PM
I support any straw only upon request measure with hopes for an outright ban of plastic straws.
Thank you
Charles Myers inside Neighborhood 7 (registered)September 21, 2017, 4:11 PM
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested?
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 7 of 9
Packet Pg 211
9
As a long-time restaurant owner, I agree with regulations to decrease one time straw use. This "custom" only
developed in the past 10 years or so and is incredibly wasteful. When a beverage arrives with a straw in it, the
straw is already wasted if the customer didn't require a straw. Let restaurant customers ask for a straw.
Name not available (unclaimed)September 21, 2017, 3:58 PM
Yes, restrict plastic straw distribution unless specifically requested
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 10 (registered)September 21, 2017, 2:01 PM
While not as good as an outright ban, this is a great middle ground as it allows straw fans to continue using
theirs while reducing straw use overall.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 8 (unverified)September 20, 2017, 7:27 PM
Yes, please require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested. They are wasteful.
Thank you kindly for the opportunity to comment.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 8 (registered)September 20, 2017, 5:50 PM
I fully support this regulation to provide straws only upon request. Straws are not required for most people, and
giving these single-use items out automatically only encourages waste and increases the volume of
unrecyclable plastic in our landfills.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 7 (registered)September 20, 2017, 2:48 PM
I support requiring businesses to only supply plastic straws by request and ultimately moving to paper straws
(which could be exempt from the straws by request regulation).
Roz Phillips inside Neighborhood 1 (registered)September 20, 2017, 12:27 PM
I support regulations to require business to only provide plastic straws to patrons on request and use of paper
straws could be made exempt from the by-request-only regulations. In the long run I would also like to see
regulations to require replacing plastic straws with paper straws, but providing straws on request is a good start.
Name not available (unclaimed)September 19, 2017, 3:18 PM
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested?
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 8 of 9
Packet Pg 212
9
YES!!!
Elaine Genasci inside Neighborhood 1 (registered)September 19, 2017, 10:39 AM
Yes, I agree, businesses should only give straws to customers who ask. I would also like to see the plastic
straw banned and only paper straws used by business in SLO.
Name not available (unclaimed)September 18, 2017, 10:59 PM
Straws upon request is a great idea.
Name not shown inside Neighborhood 1 (registered)September 18, 2017, 8:40 PM
I support a ban on single use plastic straws. Paper straws work great.
Dale Stoker inside Neighborhood 2 (registered)September 18, 2017, 8:13 PM
This is a great idea. Currently, I always ask for no straw in my drinks and I think this would be a cost saving
move for business owners not to mention the large, positive impact it will have on our environment. SLO should
implement this regulation.
Name not available (unclaimed) September 18, 2017, 7:54 PM
I really don't think this is a good idea. It would place a hardship on small business and just be a pain in the
neck for customers. Are you going to stand in line again if you forgot to ask? Or if your child drops their straw
on the floor and you need a new one? The effort would be better spent by further promoting the concepts of
reduce, reuse, recycle, rather than further unnecessary, micro-managing intrusions into the lives of SLO
residents.
Straws Upon Request Regulations
What do you think of the proposed regulations to require businesses to only provide straws to patrons once a straw is requested?
All Statements sorted chronologically
As of October 11, 2017, 4:39 PM http://www.peakdemocracy.com/5434 Page 9 of 9
Packet Pg 213
9
Page intentionally left
blank.
Packet Pg 214
9
THE Newspaper of the Central Coast
MBUNE
3825 South Higuera • Post Office Box 112 • San Luis Obispo,
In The Superior Court of The State of California
In and for the County of San Luis Obispo
AD #3332349
CITY OF SAN LUIS OBISPO
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
ss,
County of San Luis Obispo
I am a citizen of the United States and a resident of the
County aforesaid; I am over the age of eighteen and not
interested in the above entitled matter; I am now, and at
all times embraced in the publication herein mentioned
was, the principal clerk of the printers and publishers of
THE TRIBUNE, a newspaper of general Circulation,
printed and published daily at the City of San Luis
Obispo in the above named county and state; that notice
at which the annexed clippings is a true copy, was
published in the above-named newspaper and not in any
supplement thereof — on the following dates to wit;
OCTOBER 14, 2017 that said newspaper was duly and
regularly ascertained and established a newspaper of
general circulation by Decree entered in the Superior
Court of San Luis Obispo County, State of California, on
June 9, 1952, Case #19139 under the Government Code
of the State of California.
I certify (or declare) under the penalty of perjury that the
foregoing is true and correct.
Si Lure of Principal Clerk)
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2017
AD COST: $218.08
OCT 18 2017
WIII;
Cyff OF
M LUM OBISPO
SAN LUIS OBISPO CITY COUNCIL
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The San Luis Obispo City Council invites
D11 interested persons to attend a public
hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2017,
at 6:00 p.m. in the. City Hall Council
Chamber, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obi-
spo, California, relative to the following:
1. REVIEW OF AN ORDINANCE THAT_
A public hearing to consider introducing an
ordinance that would regulate the
saWdistribulion of plastic beverage bottles
on City property and at events on City
property (including city facilities/offices,
streets, sidewalks, and parks), and In.
crease the availability of water bottle filling
stations in the City.
This meeting is a follow up to the January
City Council Study Session where the City
Council heard public comment, reviewed
research on similar ordinances In the Unit-
ed States, and provided direction to staff.
This hearing is another opportunity for pub-
lic input.
A public hearing to consider introducing an
Ordinance that would require businesses
serving single -use beverage straws to only
provide a straw to a customer upon re-
quest. This hearing is an opportunity for
public input.
For more information on both of these
items, you are invited to contact Marcus
Carloni of the City's Administration Depart-
ment at (805) 781-7151 or by email at
mcarlonl stacltyLra
The City Council may also discuss other
hearings or business items before or after
the items listed above. If you challenge the
proposed project in court, you may be limit-
ed to raising only those issues you or
someone else raised at the public hearing
described in this notice, or in written corre-
spondence delivered to the City Council at,
or prior to, the public hearing.
Reports for this meeting will be available
for review in the Cily Clark's Office and on-
line at www.slocity.org on October 18,
2017. Please call the City Clerk's Office at
805) 781-7100 for more information. The
City Council meeting will be televised live
on Charter Cable Channel 20 and live
slrearning on www.slocity.org.
le Gallagher
Clerk
of San Luis Obispo j
bor14,2017 3332349 li
STRAWS UPON REQUESTCity Council Hearing – October 24, 20171Review of an Ordinance that would require vendors, such as restaurants, bars, and cafes to only provide customers with a single-use beverage straw when requested
RecommendationIntroduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 8.09 to the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code regulating single use beverage straws. 2
3BackgroundCity Council Direction (June 20, 2017)Council identified a “straws upon request ordinance” as a priority and the work effort was added as an objective in the Climate Action Major City Goal work program Consistency with City PolicyGeneral Plan:Does not specifically address single-use beverage strawsBut, has several policies/goals recognizing City’s responsibility for waste diversion, efficient use of materials, and recyclingAcknowledges City’s role in encouraging residents to do the sameClimate Action Plan (Solid Waste Chapter)Overall goal to “prevent, reduce, reuse and recycle solid waste to minimize waste being sent to the landfill.”City will provide waste reduction education to City’s consumers
Litter, Waste, Recycling4Straws used every day in SLO County that are not recycled – ending up in the landfill or as litter (Integrated Waste Management Authority)Studies have shown 80% of people will say “no” when asked if they want a straw (IWMA)Straws/stirrers were the 10thmost collected debris at the 2017 SLO County Coastal Cleanup Day – collecting 1,363 straws/stirrers (ECOSLO)Straws/stirrers were collected during 2016 International Coastal Cleanup (Ocean Conservancy)
What?Where?How?When?Proposed Ordinance5ProposedOrdinanceExceptions?Vendors (e.g. restaurants, bars, cafes) would only be able to provide customers with a single-use beverage straw once a straw is requested.Change to common practice of automatically placing a straw in every drink
What?Where?How?When?Proposed Ordinance6ProposedOrdinanceExceptions?
7Public EngagementKSBY News CoverageNews Item/E‐NotificationChamber of Commerce/Downtown AssociationOpen City Hall PageSupportive (41 Statements)•Straws are an unnecessary waste stream•The customer should be able to choose•Customers often don’t want them•Businesses should use reusable or paper straws•This could save costs for businessesUnsupportive (4 Statements)•This could be a hardship for small businesses•Should promote reduce, reuse, recycle rather than additional regulations
The Ordinance is designed to take effect 3 months after second reading.Allows time to perform outreach Allows time for affected businesses to adjustIf adopted, staff will be working with two local organizations to develop outreach materials and will go to individual businesses to deliver the message about the new regulations. Staff will also send additional notification to businesses and make information available on the City’s website. 8Public Engagement
RecommendationIntroduce an Ordinance adding Chapter 8.09 to the San Luis Obispo Municipal Code regulating single use beverage straws. 9