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Yarmouth Board grants temporary plastic waivers, gives businesses until October 2026 to transition
Summary
The board approved an extension permitting limited use of certain plastic products through October 2026 for businesses seeking safe alternatives; Old King's Coffeehouse received a specific waiver to deplete branded cups and lids until October 2026.
The Yarmouth Board of Health voted April 6 to grant temporary extensions and waivers for limited plastic food-service goods while affected businesses search for compliant alternatives.
Peter Gillespie and Michelle O'Connell asked for more time to test alternatives after Gillespie reported that a small soufflé cup used for sauces melted when exposed to hot takeout food. Mary Craig moved to grant an extension through October 2026 for the limited plastic goods; Laurance Venezia seconded and the motion passed with all members present voting in favor.
Separately, Mark Corliss of Old King’s Coffeehouse said the business has approximately six to eight months of branded cups and lids in stock. The board granted Old King’s a waiver to continue using existing branded cups and lids until October 2026 to allow the business to deplete inventory while searching for substitutes. The motion was made by Mary Craig, seconded by Laurance Venezia, and approved.
Votes at a glance
• Extension for Peter Gillespie and Michelle O'Connell to continue limited plastic use: Motion by Mary Craig; second Laurance Venezia; outcome: approved (all in favor).
• Waiver for Old King's Coffeehouse to use existing branded cups and lids until October 2026: Motion by Mary Craig; second Laurance Venezia; outcome: approved (all in favor).
The board did not specify enforcement penalties or require businesses to report progress on substitution testing during the meeting; businesses were advised to seek compliant alternatives.
