The plans are subject to consultation, but it proposes to ban distribution and sale of the products, which would start between October 2019 and October 2020.
Kate Nicholls, CEO of UKHospitality, said: “We wholeheartedly welcome this consultation on an issue of vital importance and one which hospitality has already taken significant action.
“Since UKHospitality’s Unpack the Future of Hospitality in the spring, thousands of pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels across the UK have changed their straws and stirrers to biodegradables, or adopted policies that cut or eliminate their use in venues.
“The Government is seeking views on how we can cut plastic waste and we look forward to continued engagement to play a part in achieving that goal.”
The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) also reacted to the announcement.
Brigid Simmonds, chief executive of the BBPA, said: "As a sector that has shown leadership in tackling the issue of plastics, we welcome this consultation on plastic straws. The BBPA has given guidance to members on alternatives to plastic straws and supported an industry-wide campaign to cut the amount of single-use plastic being used in pubs.
"Voluntary action to remove plastic straws and offer enviromentally-friendly alternatives is preferable to legislation or new taxes, which we will make clear in our response to the consultation."
Already, many foodservice outlets and brands have made the move away from plastic straws.
Milkshake brand, Shmoo, for example, has announced that from the end of the year, it will instead provide paper straws over plastic.
Karen Green, marketing manager at Aimia Foods, who own the brand, said: “To be able to do our bit in terms of helping the environment, whilst supporting a local business, is something that the Shmoo team are tremendously proud of.
“At Shmoo, we see the straw as an indispensable tool for milkshake drinkers due to the thick nature of the drink. Because of this, finding the most suitable solution to replace the conventional plastic straw was key: we want our customers to continue enjoying the same drinking experience, yet in a much more environmentally friendly way.”
Also announced has been a long-term supply agreement and strategic partnership between Transcend Packaging and Plastico, which supplies catering products to the foodservice sector.
John Reeves, head of UK & European Sales at Plastico, said: “Hospitality and catering companies have been crying out for an alternative to plastic straws.
“This deal means that they can immediately move to a credible supply of food-grade straws, direct from the UK’s only mass-produced paper straw plant currently in operation, well in advance of the impending ban and without any impact on their levels of customer service.”