Portland City from Maine Banning Plasti

Starting April 1, 2020, patrons at bars, restaurants and other straw-serving establishments will have to ask for a straw to be provided with one. The outright ban on the distribution of straws begins Jan. 1, 2021. The two-phase approach is designed to give residents and businesses time to adjust to the change. The measure passed 8-0, with Councilor Pious Ali absent.

The ban requires an alternative for plastic straw, which leads consumers to choose either paper straw or PLA straw for disposable use. Reusable straw is gaining more popularity as well.