1The city council has voted to ban single-use plastics in all shops, street markets, cafes, and restaurants.
2From next January, businesses will no longer be allowed to give out plastic bags or straws.
3The decision follows a long and determined campaign by environmental groups and thousands of local residents.
4Supporters of the ban say plastic waste is damaging rivers, parks, and wildlife across the region.
5Shop owners will have one full year to change their packaging before fines are introduced.
6Some small business owners worry that paper and bamboo alternatives will significantly increase their running costs.
7To help them, the council will offer free advice and small grants during the first year.
8Similar bans in several other countries have already reduced plastic litter in public places by more than half.
9Scientists estimate that many millions of plastic items enter the world's oceans and rivers every single day.
10The mayor called the vote a historic step towards a cleaner and healthier city for everyone.
11Other cities in the country are now watching closely and may soon follow the same path.