The Albany County Legislature passed a bill Monday banning the use of plastic straws.

The law will prohibit restaurants and fast food locations from providing plastic straws and cutlery unless requested.

Restaurants will be allowed to use non-plastic alternatives.

The County Health Department is also now tasked with educating the food service industry in the county on these changes and also enforcing the law.

The ban will go into effect six months after being enacted.

Repeat offenders can face up to a $250 fine.