This article is enacted for the purpose of reducing the distribution
of single-use plastic straws and beverage stirrers by all business
establishments.
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENT
The following businesses: a retail store; general department
store; restaurant and take-out restaurant, and any other common victualler,
serving hot or cold liquid, slurry, frozen, semi-frozen, or other
forms of beverages to the public for consumption; bar, tavern, lounge;
not including supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes or
nursing care or assisted living facilities or doctors or nurses or
emergency medical technicians providing straws to patients.
CITY EVENT
Any event organized or sponsored by the City of Melrose,
any department of the City of Melrose, or on the premises of any City-owned
premises.
PLASTIC BEVERAGE 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
source. "Plastic beverage stirrer" includes compostable and biodegradable
petroleum or biologically based polymer stirrers, but does not include
stirrers that are made from nonplastic materials, such as, but not
limited to, paper, sugar cane, wood and bamboo.
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 nonplastic materials, such
as, but not limited to, paper, sugar cane, and bamboo.
This article may be enforced by any agents of the Board of Health.
This article may be enforced through any lawful means in law or in
equity, including, but not limited to, noncriminal disposition pursuant
to MGL c. 40, § 21D, by which any business establishment
which violates any provision of this regulation shall be subject to
the following penalties:
A. First offense: written warning.
B. Second offense: fine of $25.
C. Third and subsequent offenses: $50.