EPA approves plastic ban

A draft proposed by the Environmental Protection Administration (EPA) prohibiting publicly operated grocery stores, restaurants at government buildings, public and private educational establishments and military organizations from offering free plastic bags from July 1 was approved by the Cabinet yesterday. Due to continued water rationing in northern Taiwan, however, the launch date for restrictions on the use of disposable utensils was postponed to Oct. 1. "Postponing the launch date is to pacify people who worry about potential hygiene problems resulting from emergency water rationing measures," EPA head Hau Lung-bin (郝龍斌) said yesterday at the Cabinet's regular meeting.