Miami Beach latest South Florida city to say no to plastic straws, stirrers

Visitors and residents to Miami Beach won’t be able to use plastic straws and stirrers when sipping their drinks and coffee at cafes and marinas in the near future.

On Wednesday, city officials unanimously passed an ordinance that bans the use of single-use plastic straws and stirrers throughout the city. The initiative, which expands a ban on plastic bags on the beach, kicks in July 2020.

“Every move we make to strengthen our litter laws citywide significantly reduces the amount of litter and pollutants on land and in the water,” said Miami Beach Mayor Dan Gelber. “Protecting both our natural environment and wildlife is a priority for our city and a cause we will never stop fighting for.”

The goal of the ordinance is to reduce the amount of plastic pollution in the city’s storm drains and waterways. The city says that plastic straws are frequently found littering the beaches and end up in the ocean impacting wildlife.

To educate food-service providers and hotels, the city will roll out a public awareness campaign which will also suggest alternatives. The working hashtag on social media is#PlasticFreeMB

Businesses that provide plastic straws or stirrers with their service and delivery of any drink to customers could be fined $50 on the first offense, then $100 for the second offense and $500 for the third or additional violations.

At least one environmental group welcomed the news of Miami Beach’s new ordinance.

“Plastics never go away. Instead, they break down into smaller and smaller pieces,” said Catherine Uden, a South Florida campaign organizer for the nonprofit Oceana, an advocacy group focused on ocean conservation. “By reducing single use plastics, Miami Beach is protecting the environment, its coastal economy, and the livelihoods of residents.”

Miami Beach is the latest South Florida city to forbid the use of plastic straws. Last week, Key West officials passed a similar ordinance that applies to businesses and retailers with exceptions for people who are disabled and or with medical needs. Coral Gables, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Hallandale Beach and Surfside have banned the straws or are phasing them out.

In March, Boca Raton city officials decided not to prohibit the use of plastic straws but instead would encourage voluntary use of paper straws which some businesses are already using.

Marriott International hotels, Starbucks, American Airlines have already announced plans to stop using plastic straws for environmental reasons.