Pubs, bars and South Melbourne Market join war on plastic straws

This commonplace item is facing extinction at Melbourne pubs, with markets, bars and other venues banning plastic straws as the city’s war on waste continues.

Plastic straws are facing extinction at pubs, bars and other venues.

The Australian Hotels Association Victoria is pushing for a ban to help protect the environment.

Some sites have already either banished straws entirely, or offer paper or bamboo alternatives.

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LAST STRAW FOR VIRGIN AUSTRALIA

WAR ON PLASTICS

AHAV chief executive Paddy O’Sullivan said hundreds of venues had stopped automatically handing out plastic straws in recent months. Instead, patrons must request them.

The association is now investigating finding a cost-effective, biodegradable straw supplier for the industry.

The Australian Hotels Association Victoria is encouraging a plastic straw ban. Picture: iStock

“Pubs and hotels in traditional times have offered customers straws in their drinks as a matter of course,” Mr O’Sullivan said.

“To take up the environmental challenge we are encouraging all to ban the plastic straw and instead when customers ask for a straw, offer a biodegradable alternative.”

Replacing plastic straws would not push up drink prices, he said.

South Melbourne Market will ban plastic straws from December 1. Traders can opt to provide paper substitutes.

Reusable stainless steel straws that cost from $3.95 each are also available.

The market’s manager, Ian Sumpter, said: “Plastic straws cause enormous damage to our environment, particularly along the foreshore, and in our waterways and parklands.”

Louisa and Ben drink with a paper straw at South Melbourne Market. Picture: Tony Gough

Malvern Hotel part-owner Michael Burke said a decision in June to ban straws outright had received a mainly positive reception.

“The majority of customers accept and appreciate, but a small element who are used to drinking out of a straw are unhappy,” Mr Burke said.

At Slate Restaurant Bar in the city, patrons who ask for a straw get a bamboo one.

Manager Ilyas Yildrim said the policy was introduced a couple of months ago in response to customers’ environmental concerns.

The Carlton Club ditched plastic straws last year. Those wanting a straw get a paper version.

Virgin Australia flights and lounges recently switched to paper straws and bamboo stirrers. McDonald’s and Starbucks are phasing out plastic straws by 2020.

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@KarenCollierHS