STEAMBOAT SPRINGS, COLORADO-December 15, 2022-As part of the ongoing implementation and understanding of the new state and local carryout bag ban and fee law, a new interpretation of the regulation excludes restaurants from the act.
“There has been much debate and interpretation at the state level,” commented Assistant City Attorney Jennifer Bock. “We have recently learned that the intent of House Bill 21-1162 was to restrict use at many stores but was not envisioned to apply to restaurants. Our city ordinance follows the state law in that respect and so restaurants will be exempt locally as well.”
The City of Steamboat Springs’s ordinance was drafted in line with the state and will not impose a fee or restrict the use of single-use plastic carryout bags by restaurants. A retail food establishment may continue to provide a single-use plastic carryout bag if the restaurant prepares or served food for individual portions for immediate on- or off-premises consumption and is not a grocery or convenience store.
Without restaurants, the fee applies to both paper and plastic single-use carryout bags at all stores in Steamboat Springs, including grocery stores, small stores, Farmers Markets, Roadside Market or Stand, Festival, and other temporary vendors or an event that includes temporary vendors starting January 1, 2023. In addition, the law does not apply to some bags such as those used to package bulk items, produce, meat or fish.
Steamboat Springs has more than 100 restaurants, bars, breweries, chophouses, and cafes that span the spectrum and appeal to palates from the quick and fast to plates of delicately crafted worldly delights.
Additional information on the city’s carryout bag ban and fee, including Frequently Asked Questions, the adopted Ordinance, and links to the state program, can be found at steamboatsprings.net/BYOB.
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Contact
Winnie DelliQuadri, Special Project & IGS Manager, 970.871.8257 or email
Jennifer Bock, Assistant City Attorney, 970.879.2060 or email
Michael Lane, Communications Manager, 970.871.8220 or email