SOUTH JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — If you want a straw with your drink in New Jersey, you'll have to speak up. There's a soft ban on plastic straws now in effect.
The new law took effect this week, and Erin Jensen, from the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, explained what restaurants and customers need to know in a recent informational webinar for the state restaurant and hospitality association.
"It affects how straws are given out," she said, "so instead of going to a restaurant and having straws automatically given to you at your table or through a drive-thru window, you will have to ask for a straw if you want to use one."
Violations will come with a warning first and then a fine of $1,000 for a second offense and $5,000 for any offenses beyond that.
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While this affects all food service businesses, Jensen added the law won't stop people from buying straws in stores. "You may still go to a store and purchase things like boxes of straws or juice boxes prepackaged with straws," she clarified.
This is all part of Gov. Phil Murphy’s plan to cut down on pollution. Single-use plastics are a big part of that.
The plan's next step takes effect in May of 2022. That's a ban on plastic bags and styrofoam containers in most situations. Grocery stores with more than 2,500 square feet will also be prohibited from giving out any plastic or paper bags. Customers will have to bring their own reusable bags or buy some at the store.