Restaurants hit with higher costs as Hong Kong readies penalties for plastic cutlery
Some report paying up to 30 per cent more for disposable utensils, while providers of alternatives say business is down ahead of switch
A Post reporter visited Sham Shui Po on Sunday to understand how commercial establishments and residents viewed the ban. With the end of the six-month grace period on Monday, eateries and retailers face a penalty for selling or using polystyrene tableware or plastic utensils for takeaway and dine-in services.
Staff at one dumpling shop said it was ready to switch to alternatives but expected higher costs.
“A pack of plastic straws costs about HK$30 (US$3.8), but those made of paper cost more by over HK$10,” the manager said. “Some customers also request two paper straws for a drink as the paper straws soften quickly. We will have to stock more.”
From Tuesday, businesses that continue to offer the banned items will receive a written warning and have 10 days to rectify the situation or face a fixed penalty of HK$2,000. Serious breaches can result in fines of up to HK$100,000.
Chan Hok-lik, the manager of a Sham Shui Po restaurant selling roasted meat that opened last month, said fibre pulp cutlery and paper straws were 30 per cent more expensive than plastic utensils.