Upcoming plastic tableware ban will hike restaurant operating costs: catering representatives

Catering representatives said on Tuesday that restaurants will struggle with increased operating costs under an upcoming ban on plastic tableware.

It was announced today that in the first phase of the upcoming ban on plastic tableware, beginning April 22, restaurants will be banned from selling and using disposable polystyrene tableware, plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates.

Simon Wong Ka-wo, head of the Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said the ban will burden small businesses and stated that even if the tableware seems cheap at first glance, it can increase monthly spending to a certain extent which would put pressure on small business owners.

A restaurant owner surnamed Yeung echoed his views and said he finds it difficult to find affordable alternatives.

He said that designated recyclable materials cost around HK$3 to HK$4, compared to the commonly used Styrofoam, which only costs around HK$1.

And if they attempt to pass on the cost to consumers, they won't be able to afford it, reducing sales and affecting their businesses.

Meanwhile, Executive Councillor Lam Ching-choi said he sees no reason to postpone the ban.

He said that non-plastic substitutes are just 10 to 20 cents more expensive, so most customers should be able to adapt to the changes in late April without much difficulty.

Complimentary amenities in hotels and hostels are also affected by the upcoming policy.

Tourism Association executive director Timothy Chui Ting-pong said it may affect Hong Kong's image if tourists, unfamiliar with the policy, are charged.

He added that the packaged amenities are designed to be good-looking to serve as souvenirs for tourists to take and are part of their brand's publicity and image.

Chui further added that tourists are not interested in learning about local environmental policies, and if they forget to buy the sanitary products and are charged, it might make it seem like Hong Kong or the hotels are being stingy.