Santa Barbara Authorizes Jail Time for Handing Out Straws

[TomSea]

Santa Barbara Authorizes Jail Time for Handing Out Straws | National Review

Yes, you read that right.

The city of Santa Barbara has passed an ordinance that will allow restaurant employees to be punished with up to six months of jail time or a $1,000 fine for giving plastic straws to their customers.

The bill was passed unanimously last Tuesday, and covers bars, restaurants, and other food-service businesses. Establishments will still be allowed to hand out plastic stirrers, but only if customers request them.

Read more at: https://www.nationalreview.com/2018/07/plastic-straw-ban-santa-barbara-jail-time-punishment/

[XenaLee]

I have an elderly aunt (last of two sisters and four brothers of my late father) living in Santa Barbara.  She apparently moved there to get away from the liberalism (that she previously helped to grow and thrive via the NEA) that has overtaken Los Angeles.  I'm betting she is feeling a bit "encroached upon" by the idiocy now.   Join the club, auntie!

[Suppressed]

Definitions from the ordinance bill:

H. Plastic Beverage Straw. A tube made predominantly of plastic derived
from either petroleum or a biologically based polymer, such as corn or other plant sources,
for transferring a beverage from its container to the mouth of the drinker. "Plastic
Beverage Straw" includes compostable and biodegradable petroleum or biologically
based polymer straws, but does not include straws that are made from non-plastic
materials, such as paper, sugar cane, bamboo, etc.

I. Plastic Stirrer. A device that is used to mix beverages, intended for only
one-time use, and made predominantly of plastic derived from either petroleum or a
biologically based polymer, such as corn or other plant sources. "Plastic stirrer" includes
compostable and biodegradable petroleum or a biologically based polymer stirrers, but
does not include stirrers that are made from non-plastic materials, such as paper, sugar
cane, bamboo, etc.

Now, plastic straws are outright banned.  But plastic stirrers can be provided if the patron requests.

I think I would post signs noting that large-caliber stirrers will be provided upon request.