'Restaurants to utilize non-plastic grace period'

A representative of the catering industry on Sunday said that many small and medium-sized restaurants will continue to use plastic utensils despite the upcoming ban on the sale and use of disposable polystyrene utensils, plastic straws, stirrers, cutlery and plates. Speaking on RTHK's Hashtag Hong Kong, Simon Wong, the president of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, said many restaurant owners will take advantage of a six-month adjustment period after the ban takes effect on Monday. During this time, government officials will focus on educating people rather than strictly enforcing the ban. "Many restaurant operators are, at the moment, not eager to use non-plastic tableware as the government is giving a six-month grace period to the trade, such that operators will not be fined if they do not follow the regulation on and after April 22," he said. "On the other hand, it would give enough time for importers and wholesalers as well as retailers to consume or deal with their inventories within the allowable period. This period would also offer more time for the catering industry to find more suitable products to suit their budget and needs." Wong mentioned that large restaurant chains would be the first to switch to non-plastic alternatives. However, he added that small and medium-sized restaurants are concerned about the increased costs in the current tough economic climate. Wong noted that eco-friendly options are currently 20 to 30 per cent more expensive than plastic utensils, but he believes the cost will come down in the future. He urged the government to step up education and public awareness campaigns to inform people about the importance of reducing waste and protecting the environment.