Seattle Bans The Use Of Plastic Straws and Utensils Seattle has instituted a ban on plastic straws and utensils at all food service businesses. The law is the first-of-its-kind for any major American city. The ordinance prohibits all types of businesses from providing the plastic items to customers. Upon request only, those vendors may provide people with a compostable straw or utensil. The ban carries a $250 fine for any businesses who violate it. Another effort is underway in San Francisco, where lawmakers introduced similar legislation in May. Similar bans are on the books in California’s Santa Cruz County and in Malibu.