PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • May 20, 2024
York has become the first town in Maine to ban single-use plastic utensils, straws and stir sticks. Voters on Saturday approved the new restrictions in a 2,192 to 1,556 vote. The ordinance prohibits plastic straws, stir sticks and utensils at stores, restaurants, coffee shops, caterers, cafeterias, food delivery services and at town-sponsored events. Health care facilities are exempt but are encouraged to comply. The regulations will go into effect in May 2025.