Local businesses in Lytham St. Anne’s such as takeaways, sandwich bars, care homes and retailers who supply certain single-use plastic items, are being reminded that a government ban comes into force this Sunday, 1st October 2023.

The ban means that businesses across England will not be able to supply certain single-use plastic items to members of the public.

Items included in the ban are all single-use plastic cutlery, trays, plates, bowls, and balloon sticks. As well as banning the use of certain types of polystyrene cups and food containers used to supply food that is ready to consume.

From October, subject to the exemptions, members of the public won’t be able to buy these products from any business in England.

It applies to both online and over-the-counter sales.

The ban also includes the supply of items by businesses from new and existing stock and includes single-use plastic that is biodegradable, compostable, recycled and items wholly or partly made from plastic, including the coating or lining.

There are some exemptions and more information about the change and exemptions can be found in guidance published by The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA): https://www.gov.uk/guidance/single-use-plastics-ban-plates-bowls-trays-containers-cutlery-and-balloon-sticks