MONMOUTH BEACH, New Jersey -- A Jersey shore town has voted unanimously to ban plastic bags and straws from Monmouth Beach.
Officials voted Tuesday to ban single-use plastic bags, straws and food containers, as well as take-out Styrofoam boxes.
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The ordinance, which was introduced last month and takes effect June 1, includes fines of up to $2,400 - though Mayor Sue Howard says warnings will be issued for initial violations.
Howard says she hopes the ordinance will prompt consumers to think twice before asking for a straw at restaurants.
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Several municipalities along the Jersey shore have approved or are considering curbs on the use of disposable plastic items, and New Jersey is one of several states weighing a plastic ban. Howard says Monmouth Beach's ban is the most comprehensive.
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This is an undated image of straws. (KGO-TV)