He said: “Although the government’s decision to ban plastic straws and cotton buds is a step in the right direction, there will be challenges when it comes to implementation. Businesses may face cost pressures in the short term as they switch to more expensive eco-friendly alternatives.”
“This will be a particular issue for small and medium local retailers who are already feeling the pressure from replacing plastic cups – one chain earlier this year claimed to have lost £250,000 in takeaway sales, 25% of its total. At a time when even large retailers are failing, this may be the final nail in the coffin for some smaller businesses. So while the ban is the right thing to do, some support will be required from the government to deliver this in a way that supports local retailers."
