Government confirms ban on sale and use of products from April 2020
A ban in England on the supply of plastic straws, drink stirrers and cotton will start in April 2020, Environmental Secretary Michael Gove confirmed a ban on the supply of the products after a consultation revealed “overwhelming” support for the move. The ban will start in April 2020.
Exemptions will allow those who need to use plastic straws for medical reasons or a disability to buy them from registered pharmacies or request them in restaurants, pubs and bars.
Plastic straws and drink stirrers, and cotton buds with plastic stems will be banned from sale and use in England from April 2020, the government has confirmed.
Food and drink outlets will not be able to display plastic straws or automatically hand them out.
The Government's response to the consultation, published on Wednesday, reveals that 90 per cent of respondents back a ban on drinks stirrers, and 89 per cent a ban on cotton buds.
More than 80 per cent of respondents support a ban on the distribution and sale of plastic straws.