SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5008

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Background: In 1982 the Legislature found detachable metal rings or tabs from beverage containers were susceptible to swallowing by people and harmful to certain wildlife. Because of this hazard to human health and detriment to wildlife, the Legislature established a prohibition on the sale of metal beverage cans opened by a detachable metal ring or tab.

This prohibition applies to beer or other malt beverages, mineral water, soda water, or other liquid drinks meant for human consumption. The term beverage does not include milk-based, soy-based, or other similar products that require heat and pressure in the canning process. Over 30 states have enacted similar prohibitions on detachable metal rings or tabs from beverage containers.

Openings for beer cans and other beverages evolved over the years. Early metal beverage cans were made from steel and were opened by using a church key to punch a hole into the top. The pull tab was invented in 1963. This tab was entirely removable from the can. It was widely criticized as a component of litter and causing injuries to people and wildlife.

The stay-on tab was invented in 1975. This new type of tab opening supplanted the pull tab in cans. Beverage can openings continue to evolve to address restricted flow. Cans with wider tab openings and additional openings to allow greater air flow are being used by some beverage container companies. A pull tab that removes the entire lid, leaving an opening as wide as the can, is also available.