Shops reminded to get rid of plastic tableware as end of grace period nears

Businesses previously found failed to have complied with a citywide ban on single-use plastics during the transition period will be the first to get checked by officials starting October 21, as the six-month adaptation period ends.

The first phase of the ban, which took effect on April 22, prohibits the supply of Styrofoam and disposable plastic tableware for dine-in meals, alongside a prohibition on the sale of these items.

Secretary for the Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan wrote in his blog on Saturday that authorities would prioritize inspecting retailers to ensure restricted single-use plastic cutlery and products would no longer be available.

He said retailers found violating the ban after October 21 will first receive a warning, requiring the person in charge to make amends within 10 days. They will then receive a fixed penalty ticket if they still cannot meet the rules after the 10-day period.

He added that officials will carry out inspections and investigations on other businesses such as eateries and hotels should they receive complaints.

Meanwhile, Tse said about 80 percent of customers at local chain restaurants do not request cutlery for takeaways, and about 30 percent of restaurants having ceased offering single-use cutlery for takeouts.

He also quoted the local chain restaurants as saying that the six-month grace period is sufficient for them to clear out their inventory of single-use plastic tableware and make a switch to alternatives.