Plastic Straw Rules: Bessemer vs Birmingham
How do plastic straw rules rules compare between Bessemer, AL and Birmingham, AL?
Bessemer and Birmingham have similar restriction levels.
Bessemer, AL
Jefferson County
Plastic straws are preempted under Alabama Code Section 11-89C-10, prohibiting local governments from banning, restricting, or taxing single-use plastic straws.
View full Bessemer rules →Birmingham, AL
Jefferson County
Birmingham cannot require restaurants to switch to paper straws or adopt straws-on-request rules because Alabama's 2019 auxiliary container preemption (AL Code 22-22B-1) covers single-use straws within its broad definition.
View full Birmingham rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Bessemer | Birmingham |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| State preempt | - | AL Code 22-22B-1 |
| Restaurant policy | - | Voluntary substitutions allowed |
| ADA access | - | Flex straws on request |
| City fine | - | None for straw use |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Bessemer FAQ
Are plastic straw bans allowed in Alabama cities?
No. State preemption blocks local plastic straw bans and request-only distribution requirements.
Can businesses still switch to paper straws?
Yes, the law only restricts government mandates; private businesses can voluntarily change products.
Birmingham FAQ
Can Birmingham require restaurants to give straws only when asked?
No. State preemption blocks even a straws-on-request ordinance. Individual restaurants and chains may adopt the policy voluntarily as a sustainability commitment.
Do Birmingham restaurants have to offer plastic straws?
Restaurants choose freely. The ADA generally requires reasonable access to flexible straws for patrons with disabilities, even when paper is the default option.
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