Some London restaurants ditching straws amid growing backlash
Instead of waiting for lawmakers, some London, Ont. restaurants are taking the initiative
Some London, Ont. restaurants are ahead of the curve when it comes to banning plastic straws as international pressure mounts for countries to curb marine waste.
We're not looking to make money on this.- Milos Kral
On Thursday, the United Kingdom announced it plans to ban the sale of plastic straws and other single-use plastic products, while pushing for similar bans from its Commonwealth allies, including Canada, in order to protect marine ecology.
However, some London, Ont. restaurants, such as Milos' Craft Beer Emporium have already done away with single-use plastic straws.
'It just made sense'
Owner Milos Kral said after a long period of consideration, he and his staff did away with the straws last week.
"It's something that's been on my mind that we discussed over the last few years and it just made sense," he said. "It's been over a week and we didn't really see too much of a problem."
"For those people who need a straw we have stainless steel, reusable straws available and we'll sell them at cost. We're not looking to make money on this."
Others, such as J Dee's Market Grill, have stopped giving straws out unless a customer asks. The downtown London restaurant made the decision a couple of months ago.
"If it's a cocktail we [give out straws] because they're required for stirring," he said. "They're really not necessary, unless someone has sensitive teeth."
'I totally agree with it'
Davies said what he'd like to see is a municipal service for recycling at restaurants, which is currently not available in the downtown core.
As far as customers go, it's difficult to find anyone who thinks doing away with the plastic straw is a bad idea.
"I totally agree with it," said restaurant patron Cynthia Osborne. "I'm very much in support of saving our oceans."
"It's the first thing I take out of my cup when I get it. I never use it," said Mitch Clarkson, who is not only a restaurant patron, but works in the local restaurant industry. "I just prefer to drink out of my cup like an adult."
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