Georgia has postponed a ban on serving drinks in plastic bottles at restaurants and other food-service venues until 1 February 2031, after the measure was originally due to take effect on 1 July 2026.
The delay is set out in an amendment to a government resolution published this week. Under the earlier timetable, venues would have had to stop offering beverages in single-use plastic bottles from the start of July 2026.
Why the date moved
According to the updated regulation, officials pushed back the start date after further talks with businesses, industry associations, and other stakeholders. The government said the extra time is meant to help operators adjust supply chains, packaging, and service practices before the restriction applies.
What the rule covers
When it eventually takes force, the measure will apply to food-service establishments across Georgia. It targets how drinks are served on site, not broader retail sales of bottled beverages in shops.
The policy fits wider efforts to reduce single-use plastic waste, but implementation will now wait nearly four more years while the sector prepares for the change.
