Maine Plastic Straw Upon-Request Rule for Restaurants

Maine's straw-on-request law under 38 MRS section 1614 requires full-service restaurants to provide single-use plastic straws only when a customer specifically requests one. The rule does not apply to fast-food, carryout, or self-service settings, and it does not ban plastic straws outright. Customers with disabilities are protected, and operators may provide alternative materials proactively. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection administers compliance, and local governments may adopt stricter ordinances banning plastic straws altogether.

Civil penalties under 38 MRS section 349 apply after warnings, generally beginning at $100 per violation and escalating for repeated noncompliance.