Does Lubbock, TX have its own plastic straw rules ordinance?

No. Lubbock, TX does not appear to have a local plastic straw rules ordinance, Texas state law applies instead. The rules summarized on this page come from Texas Health and Safety Code.

Key Facts Ordinance Text Full Breakdown Violations FAQ Sources More in Lubbock

Lubbock, TX Single-Use Items: Plastic Straw Rules (2026)

Few Restrictions

Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified May 2026

Key Facts

City rule: None
State rule: None
Voluntary chain switches: Common
ADA layer: Federal access protected

Summary

Lubbock has no straw-on-request rule and no plastic straw ban. Restaurants may freely distribute plastic straws at every table or drive-thru window, in contrast with California and Washington state rules.

Sec. 361.0961. RESTRICTIONS ON AUTHORITY OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT OR OTHER POLITICAL SUBDIVISION. (a) A local government or other political subdivision may not adopt an ordinance, rule, or regulation to:(1) prohibit or restrict, for solid waste management purposes, the sale or use of a container or package in a manner not authorized by state law;(2) prohibit or restrict the processing of solid waste by a solid waste facility, except for a solid waste facility owned by the local government, permitted by the commission for that purpose in a manner not authorized by state law; or(3) assess a fee or deposit on the sale or use of a container or package.(b) This section does not prevent a local government or other political subdivision from complying with federal or state law or regulation.

Source: Texas Health and Safety CodeView official code

Full Breakdown

Texas cities have shied away from straw-on-request ordinances after the 2018 Laredo Merchants preemption. Lubbock has no measure restricting straws by material, point of sale, or only-on-request distribution. Drive-thru windows along South Loop 289 and University Avenue routinely include plastic straws with every drink. Federal accessibility law under the ADA preserves straw availability for customers with disabilities even in jurisdictions that do regulate straws. Voluntary chain-led switches to paper or PLA straws (Starbucks strawless lids) operate independently of any city or state rule.

Violations & Fines

There is no straw enforcement. Litter and illegal-dumping ordinances still apply to abandoned straws as part of general ground-litter rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Could a Lubbock restaurant go strawless?

Yes. A private restaurant may stop offering straws as a business decision, provided it accommodates disability requests for flexible straws under the federal ADA.

Are paper straws required anywhere here?

No state or local rule requires paper straws. Customers seeking paper straws should look for chains like Starbucks or independent cafes that voluntarily switched.

Sources & Official References

[1]TX HSC §361.0961

Other rules in Lubbock

Polystyrene Foam RulesFew Restrictions Plastic Bag RulesFew Restrictions Noise Ordinances: Vehicle NoiseSome Restrictions Parking Rules: Driveway RulesSome Restrictions Parking Rules: EV ChargingSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Material RestrictionsLight Restrictions Fence Regulations: Retaining WallsSome Restrictions Fence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Lubbock rules

Texas rules heatmap·Compare Lubbock to another location·View the Texas single-use items overview

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.