Bottle ban: wicked water regs.

• Author: Mangu-Ward, Katherine
• Position: Citings - Ban on water bottles - Brief article

THIRSTY, HUNG-OVER residents of Concord, Massachusetts, looking for a bottle of water were out of luck on New Year's Day. A ban on single-serving plastic water bottles took effect on January 1, part of an effort to reduce waste and encourage tap-water consumption.

Businesses caught selling bottles one liter or smaller will receive a warning. The second infraction draws a fine of $25, and subsequent violations carry a price tag of $50. Six-packs and cases of bottled water are also banned, although there are exceptions for emergencies.

Mike Abboud, the manager of a convenience store in Acton, about a mile from the edge of...