THE Weston Chamber of Commerce and an environmental charity have joined forces to support business owners following the government's ban on some single-use plastics.

Takeaways, restaurants and cafes are no longer allowed to use single-use plastic cutlery, plates or bowls following legislation which came into force on October 1.

The Curry and Conversation event was held at We Are Super on Monday, October 2, and was led by Naseem Talukdar from the charity Projects Against Plastic.

Businesses and members of the local community were invited to join together and share their thoughts and concerns about the ban over a vegan curry, which was provided by Chutneys Takeaway.

Naseem feels strongly about reducing single-use plastics, and has helped to launch a Plastic Free Ramadan campaign to reduce single-use plastics while breaking fast.

Although Naseem supports the concept, he acknowledges that it can be hard for businesses to find alternatives.

Naseem said: “It’s a good initiative, which should reduce the amount of waste that goes to landfill, while protecting our environment and wildlife.  

“But it’s challenging for business owners and we need more clarity around the ban, the processes and possible alternatives to single-use plastics.”

Naseem, who is also the director for social responsibility and sustainability for UK Curry Connect (UKCC) campaign group, is contacting local government for clarity and support.

Sue Shillabeer, president of Weston chamber, expressed her concerns about ban enforcement.

She said: “We are in favour of laws to ban single-use plastic in principle. But this legislation appears to be confused and perhaps not well-considered in terms of its wider implications.”

Moslek Uddin is a PAP trustee and director of Sponsor Licence Specialist. He is also the founder of UK Curry Connect, which aims to tackle skills shortages in the Asian food industry.

Moslek said: “It’s important for our seas, wildlife and future generations to reduce single-use plastic as much as possible.

“We started to do this years ago, but it isn’t always easy to find affordable and effective alternatives.”

Cllr Mark Canniford, North Somerset Council's executive member for spatial planning, placemaking and economy, added: “Businesses are taking the issue around single use plastic very seriously, but they are not being helped with the unclear guidance which is now law.”

Robert Drewett, high sheriff of Somerset, concluded: “This was my first visit to a Curry and Conversation event. 

“It was an excellent way of learning more about the ban on single use plastic and the impact of this on businesses as well as the implications for the wider community.”