Local businesses react to plastic bag ban

Plastic bags will soon be a thing of the past for Gainesville and business owners are now reacting.

After a unanimous vote, Gainesville city commissioners have decided to ban all plastic grocery store and styrofoam containers.

Starting August 1st, 2019 local restaurants and businesses like Mi Apa will no longer be allowed to use single-use plastic bags and polystyrene containers.

There are a few exceptions like bags for newspapers and styrofoam plates for meat products in grocery stores.

The owner of Mi Apa says the restaurant has already switched to paper options, but businesses could use the city's help with the switch.

He proposed possible incentives or rebates.

The restaurant is also in the process of using paper straws instead of plastic.