Restaurants hit with higher costs as Hong Kong readies penalties for plastic cutlery

Some Hong Kong restaurants have reported a 30 per cent rise in the cost of disposable utensils, while two suppliers of more environmentally friendly cutlery have said business is down, ahead of the end of a grace period for the ban on single-use plastics on Monday.

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, 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 Monday, 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.