UKHospitality has responded positively to the Government’s consultation on banning plastic straws and stirrers, citing positive ongoing work by the sector in this area.
The trade body has welcomed efforts to reduce the use of single-use plastic and has highlighted voluntary measures already being undertaken by hospitality businesses.
UKHospitality’s aim is to minimise single-use plastics as far as possible, in a timely manner that also ensures the introduction of affordable alternatives to avoid extra burdens and costs for businesses.
UKHospitality Chief Executive Kate Nicholls said: “We are fully supportive of measures to cut plastic waste, but a mandatory ban on the use of plastic straws in such a short timeframe would cause problems for the sector. Imposing a ban in such a short space of time may undermine measures that are already in place and increase burdens and costs.
“Hospitality businesses are leaders in reducing or eliminating the use of single-use plastics. This proactive work is to be encouraged and we support our members in their efforts to reduce waste.
“It should also be remembered that many of our customers have specific needs for requiring a straw, and a blanket ban on plastic straws could discriminate against them if alternatives are not readily available.
“UKHospitality is a signatory of WRAP’s Plastic Pact which aims to significantly reduce plastic use within hospitality by 2025. We have also worked very closely with other industry bodies such as the British Institute for Innkeeping to promote awareness and share best practice.”