On October 16, 2018 the City of Santa Barbara’s City Council adopted a ban on plastic straws and stirrers that includes an ‘on request’ provision for plastic cutlery. The law applies to food providers (take out and dine in). It went into effect on July 1, 2019.
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- The ban includes a provision that allows distribution of plastic straws to those who need them for medical reasons.
- Institutions such as hospitals and care facilities that use plastic straws for medical purposes will be exempt from the ban.
- This law does not include retail sales of plastic straws.
- Violations will result in civil administrative fines. This law will not result in criminal penalties of any kind.
- Straw policies are part of an overarching effort to save resources and protect our marine environment.
The Carpinteria City Council adopted a plastic reduction law on March 11, 2019. It goes into effect on January 1, 2020. The law includes a ban on plastic straws, stirrers and lids and includes a provision that condiment packets be available only upon request.
City of Santa Barbara Straw Ordinance Information page
Recent News Articles Clarifying the Straw Ban
- Santa Barbara City Council votes — again — to ban plastic straws. San Luis Obispo Tribune. October 10, 2018.
- The Humble Plastic Straw. Santa Barbara Independent. October 10, 2018.
- City Council votes to ban plastic straws in Santa Barbara. KEYT. October 9, 2018.
- Santa Barbara Locking Up the Straw. Los Angeles Times. July 26, 2018.
- City of Santa Barbara Plastic Straw Ban Actions and Consequences. Noozhawk. July 28, 2018.
- Santa Barbara is Ready for Its Close Up Mr. DeMille. Santa Barbara Independent. August 1, 2018.
