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Beaufort County advances broad single‑use plastics amendment to second reading after hours of public comment
Summary
After extensive public testimony and council debate on enforcement, exemptions and business costs, council advanced amendments to Chapter 38 (expanding the 2018 bag ban to thick plastic bags, styrofoam disposable food service ware, and by‑request rules for straws and cutlery) to second reading.
Beaufort County council on May 11 voted to move amendments to the county's single‑use plastics ordinance to a second reading after extended public testimony and a lengthy council discussion about enforcement, exemptions and potential unintended consequences.
Staff presenter Juliana Zadek summarized two years of outreach and a survey that produced more than 6,200 responses; the draft amendments would expand the 2018 bag ordinance to include thick plastic bags and expanded polystyrene (commonly called Styrofoam) for disposable food service wear, while requiring plastic cutlery and straws to be provided only "by request" in most retail and food‑service contexts. The proposal includes an eight‑month transition period after adoption.
Supporters from local conservation groups and youth activists urged the council to adopt stronger limits. Sophie Brown, a Beaufort High School senior, told council: "By supporting this ordinance... you aren't just helping my generation, but yours too." Grant McClure of the Coastal Conservation League presented letters of support and offered partnership to track outcomes.
Councilmembers pressed staff on enforcement, fines, the exemption list (nonprofits, emergency services, products packaged outside the county) and possible cost shifts to small businesses. Staff said penalties mirror the 2018 ordinance and that enforcement historically has been handled through code‑enforcement visits rather than levied fines.
After discussion about exemptions and potential amendments, council took a roll‑call vote to advance the measure to a second reading for further refinement; the motion passed.
(Article based on staff presentation and public and council debate; see SEG 3230'SEG 3750 and SEG 3750'SEG 4778.)
