HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-02-2015 PH1 GonzalezLomeli, Monique
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Attachments:
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FW: California Restaurant Association Letter
06022015 SLO EPS.pdf
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From: Javier Gonzalez [ mailto:jgonzalez(cbcalrest.org]
Sent: Monday, June 01, 2015 9:25 AM
To: E -mail Council Website
Cc: Mejia, Anthony; Lichtig, Katie
Subject: California Restaurant Association Letter
Importance: High
Dear Mayor and City Council Members,
,JUN 01 2015
COUNCIL MEETING: 04P/0.2 /S
ITEM NO.:
Attached is a letter from the California Restaurant Association regarding the proposed expanded polystyrene ban
ordinance.
Sincerely,
Javier M. Gonzalez
Senior Legislative Director
Government Affairs + Public Policy
California Restaurant Association
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 2000
Sacramento, CA 95814
T: 800.765.4842 / 916.431.2773
F: 916.447.6182
www.calrest.org
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CALIFORNIA
RESTAURANT
ASSOCIATION
June 1, 2015
Honorable Jan Howell Marx
City of San Luis Obispo
990 Palm Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Re: Expanded Polystyrene Food Ware Ban: OPPOSED
Dear Mayor Howell Marx and Council Members:
The California Restaurant Association is the definitive voice of the food service
industry in California and is the oldest restaurant trade association in the nation.
On behalf of our restaurant members, we submit this letter of opposition
expressing our concern with a ban on foam food packaging at eating
establishments.
First of all, we would like to work collaboratively with the city to address litter and
trash by exploring fiscally and environmentally responsible solutions, none of
which is accomplished by a ban. A ban does not truly address litter and trash
issues. By switching from one product to another, the composition of the trash and
litter would change, but the problem does not go away. For example, the City and
County of San Francisco conducted a litter audit following the implementation of
its polystyrene ban ordinance. The audit found that a 41% reduction in polystyrene
was offset by an increase of the same percentage of coated paperboard on an item -
by -item basis. Therefore, we believe exploring other options like foam recycling
that would capture not just food packaging, but all foam is a sensible approach that
actually results in waste reduction.
We urge the City Council to take into account the challenges eating establishments
would face such as higher cost and product performance issues with alternative
products. With food prices on the rise and new government mandates (e.g. menu
labeling, health care, increases in local and state government fees, etc.) the cost of
doing business is higher than ever. We do not believe it is appropriate to impose
greater cost burdens on the foodservice industry. Restaurants operate under
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 2000 Sacramento, CA 95814 T: 800.765.4842 F: 916.447.6182
tighter profit margins than many other businesses - roughly 4 to 6 percent before
taxes, according to the National Restaurant Association's Restaurant Industry
Operations Report. Restaurants, caterers, delis, and other food providers will see
their operating costs rise, as polystyrene containers are two to three times more
affordable than replacement products.
Furthermore, a ban on polystyrene food products would force restaurants to
purchase alternative products that may not perform as well and cost significantly
more. Restaurants should have the freedom of choice to use food service packaging
that best meets their operational needs. Polystyrene packaging is an economical
option that performs extremely well in keeping cold foods cold and warm foods
warm. Polystyrene products are also durable and well insulated and thus hold up
well to various types of food to help prevent accidental leaks and spills.
For all these reasons, we urge the City Council that a ban should not be the only
option on the table.
Should you have any questions, please contact me at
Sincerely,
Javier M. onza.lez
Senior Legislative Director
Government Affairs + Public Policy
Cc. City Manager
City Clerk
621 Capitol Mall, Suite 2000 Sacramento, CA 95814 T: 800.765.4842 F: 916.447.6182