DOVER — The Delaware Senate voted 12-8 to pass a bill that would restrict food establishments from offering plastic straws and food packaged in polystyrene foam containers in an effort to cut down on the proliferation of single-use plastics in the state.

Senate Bill 134 — technically Senate Substitute 1 for SB 134 — would prohibit food establishments, including restaurants, caterers and grocery stores, among others, from providing certain single-use items made from plastic, such as sandwich picks. Plastic straws could be provided only if requested by a consumer under the bill. Also targeted is polystyrene foam packaging — or, as bill prime sponsor Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover, called it, “the white spongy stuff” commonly used to make take-home food containers.

Food establishments would be subject to penalties, including fines, if the bill becomes law.

Delaware, as a state dependent on its coastal tourism industry, “needs to step up and set an example” and get rid of as many of the non-biodegradable, non-recyclable plastics as possible, Sen. Paradee said.

The law has a variety of exceptions. For example, nonprofits would still be able to offer polystyrene foam containers. White foam would still be allowed for pre-packaged food items, such as noodle cups sold in grocery stores. And the provision on plastic straws doesn’t apply to patients in hospitals or long-term care facilities.

The bill passed over the objections of senators who were concerned about its impact on small businesses in the state, who warned it might result in lost jobs or a rise in costs at places like restaurants and grocery stores — which could be passed onto consumers.

The bill would take effect a year from now. Next, it will be assigned to a committee in the House of Representatives.