The purpose of this article is to preserve and protect the environment
in the City of Norwalk by prohibiting the sale, provision, or distribution
of single-use plastic stirrers and reducing the use of single-use
plastic straws by food or beverage establishments.
As used in this article, the following terms shall have the
meanings indicated:
FOOD OR BEVERAGE ESTABLISHMENT
Any establishment where food or beverages of any kind are
provided directly to a consumer, whether such food or beverages are
provided free of charge or sold and whether consumption occurs on
or off the premises. The term includes, by way of example and not
limitation, any restaurant, bar, liquor store, delicatessen, coffee
shop, movie theater, convenience store, food truck, take-out restaurant,
delivery service, or caterer. The term shall not include hospitals,
nursing homes, long-term care facilities, or other medical or dental
facilities.
SINGLE-USE
A product that is intended to be used only one time in its
same form.
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STIRRER
A single-use device, implement, or utensil made predominantly
of plastic derived from either petroleum or a biologically based polymer,
such as corn or other plant sources, designed solely for the purpose
of mixing liquids intended for internal human consumption. Single-use
plastic stirrer does not include a stirrer made from nonplastic materials,
including, but not limited to, paper, metal, pasta, sugar cane, wood,
or bamboo.
SINGLE-USE PLASTIC STRAW
A single-use tube made predominantly of plastic derived from
either petroleum or a biologically based polymer, such as corn or
other plant sources, used to transfer a beverage from a container
to the mouth of the person drinking the beverage. Single-use plastic
straw does not include a straw made from nonplastic materials, including,
but not limited to, paper, metal, pasta, sugar cane, wood, or bamboo.
Notwithstanding any other provision of this article, and in
recognition that a straw is an adaptive utensil that may provide basic
accommodation for persons with disabilities or medical conditions
to eat or drink, food or beverage establishments in the City of Norwalk
must provide a single-use plastic straw upon request to any consumer
who requires the use of same due to a disability or medical condition.
If any section, clause, sentence or provision of this article
shall be adjudged by a court of competent jurisdiction to be invalid
or unenforceable, such adjudication shall not affect the validity
or enforceability of any other provision hereof, and the applicability
thereof to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.
This article shall become effective April 22, 2020, following
its adoption by the Common Council.