Santa Barbara, Calif., is truly the stuff of dreams: It’s sunny, oceanside, quaint, and unique. It’s also now regulation central – the hub of the nation’s nanny state. However, earlier this month, it became the stuff of nightmares, at least for those who care about limited government. Santa Barbara not only passed a ban on plastic straws, but an ordinance that authorizes the city’s law enforcement to impose hefty fines and possibly jail time “for violators who dole out plastic straws at restaurants, bars and other food establishments.”

According to the ordinance, restaurants and other establishments will be given a written warning the first time they sell/pass out plastic straws. The second offense will result in a “fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), imprisonment for a term not exceeding six (6) months.” Seattle, which instituted a similar strict ban of plastic straws in July, will fine businesses $250 per offense.