Irish Pubs Global, the association for Irish pubs worldwide, has recently launched a campaign to its members urging them to phase out the use of plastic straws in their pubs in an effort to combat the issue of plastic pollution.
The campaign comes at the same time as pubs, and the wider hospitality sector, are being urged to stop using plastic straws and stirrers, to reduce plastic packaging waste and recycle more as part of calls backed by the British Institute of Innkeeping, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, the British Beer & Pub Association and The Morning Advertiser.
As part of its campaign, Irish Pubs Global is offering members 10% off their 2018 membership if they pledge to phase out plastic straws in their pubs – a move that has received great feedback and interest worldwide.
Irish Pubs Global CEO Colm O’Reilly said: “Irish Pubs Global has recently launched a global campaign to its members worldwide urging them to phase out the use of plastic drinking straws in their establishments.
"Plastic pollution is a hugely important issue that we need to increase awareness on and we are delighted to back The Morning Advertiser campaign in the UK with the British Institute of Innkeeping, the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, the British Beer & Pub Association urging pubs to stop using plastic straws and stirrers.”
There are many environmentally friendly alternatives to plastic straws that can be used in pubs, including paper, bioplastic and reusable stainless steel or glass straws.
Irish Pubs Global community manager Averyl Quinn added: “We are delighted to have received such a positive reaction from our members on this issue of combating plastic pollution.
"The statistics on the environmental impact of plastic straws alone are shocking and we encourage all our members in Irish pubs worldwide to join us in our campaign to end the use of plastic straws and spread awareness on this topic.”