In the first phase of the government’s two-step plan, restaurants will be prohibited from providing disposable plastic tableware, cutleries, straws, and stirrers. Restaurants will also not be allowed to give dine-in customers single-use plastic containers.

The sale or free distribution of other plastic products, such as hotel toiletries, umbrella covers, plastic cotton buds, and toothbrushes, will also be forbidden in the first phase.

Submitting a position paper to authorities Wednesday, the Hong Kong Retail Management Association has raised concerns that there are no alternatives for many of the disposable plastic tableware banned.

It said although there is paper-made tableware available on the market for hot food and drinks, the paperware may not all be plastic-free, thus, will still get banned from use in Hong Kong.

The association also noted that plastic covers were often used for food products such as sushi and salad to offer customers a better look at what they are buying, and there are no alternatives on the market for transparent plastic covers.

It added that there were also no alternatives for disposable plastic gloves and plastic dental floss picks.

The association said it is too hastily for authorities to implement the first phase of the ban by the fourth quarter of this year.

It said retailers usually need at least half a year to purchase new supplies, and without financial backing from the government, the industry would require at least three quarters for the transition.