Focus Taiwan
Date: 2019/06/26
By: Chang Hsiung-feng and Chung Yu-chen

Taipei, June 26 (CNA) Starting July 1, single-use plastic straws will no longer be available to people eating at a wide range of venues in Taiwan, as part of a government effort to limit ocean pollution, the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) said Wednesday.

The ban on single-use plastic straws will take effect at government agencies, public and private schools, department stores, shopping malls and fast food chain outlets for onsite drinking or dining, the EPA said at a press conference.

First-time violators will not be punished, but if they violate the regulation again after the first warning, they will be subject to a fine of between NT$1,200 (US$39) and NT$6,000, according to the EPA.

Customers who place orders for take-out or delivery, however, will still be provided with plastic straws for now, EPA said.    [FULL  STORY]