California lawmakers send Brown bill limiting plastic straws

If you want a plastic straw with your drink you may soon have to ask at California restaurants.

Lawmakers in the Assembly sent Gov. Jerry Brown a bill Thursday that would bar full-service restaurants from giving out straws unless customers request them. It wouldn’t ban straws outright.

Democratic Assemblyman Ian Calderon of Whittier described the bill as a small step toward reducing plastic use and fighting ocean pollution. The measure would affect full-service restaurants and wouldn’t apply to fast food establishments.

Republican Assemblywoman Melissa Melendez of Lake Elsinore says she doesn’t believe it will reduce pollution but will punish restaurants.

Restaurants would be warned for first and second violations and fined up to $300 per year for subsequent violations. The restaurant industry doesn’t oppose the measure.