Restaurants given Feb. 28 deadline to stop using plastic bags, containers

JEDDAH — The municipality has asked all restaurants using plastic bags and containers to switch over to paper bags and aluminum foil containers by Feb. 28, Al-Watan newspaper reported. Jeddah Mayor Hani Abu Ras said the municipality has set health and safety regulations to protect the consumer. “The municipality will work on replacing plastic bags and containers used by restaurants with paper bags and containers of material that are environment-friendly and less harmful to the consumers,” said Abu Ras. He said violating restaurants will be shut down by the municipality. “All concerned restaurants have been notified and warned. There are 14 municipalities in Jeddah that will inspect restaurants in various districts and neighborhoods once the deadline passes,” said Abu Ras.