Local restaurants react to proposed styrofoam ban

SALISBURY, Md. – Styrofoam containers in Maryland could soon become a thing of the past, that’s if a recently passed Senate Bill banning them passes the House of Delegates and is signed by the Governor into law.

Jacqueline Sanchez owns Rosita’s Taqueria.

She said, “Styrofoam is harder to decompose and we don’t want to hurt our planet anymore.”

Senate Bill 285 passed in the Senate this week and if it finally makes it into law, businesses and schools would be barred from serving food in containers made of polystyrene.

It’s a tough, non-biodegradable component often used in cups, plates, and other food containers.

On Friday, 47 ABC spoke to local restaurants to see how the proposed ban aimed at reducing our environmental footprint would effect business.

Overall the feedback we received was positive, with many saying making the switch to more eco-friendly options wouldn’t make a huge impact on their sales.

Patrick Tracey who works at Bagel Bakery and Cafe said, “It would impact us rather mildly we don’t carry too many Styrofoam products.”

Sanchez said, “It may be a little difficult at first, but I feel we can adapt.”

Some are even ahead of the curve. They tell us they already use bio-degradable containers.

Andreas Yiannouris who owns The Greek Pita Place said, “Once I took this business over from my father I tried to implement that and be as earth friendly as possible.”

While nothing is set in stone just yet, if it becomes law any business or school that uses Styrofoam containers would receive a written warning for first offense, and a fine of up to $250 if the violation isn’t resolved within three months.

But not everyone is on board with the ban with those in opposition worrying about the impact it could have on other businesses here on the shore.

If passed in the House and signed into to law by the governor this would go into effect July of 2020.