this sounds like it's most likely derived from the myth that drinking through
straws gets you more drunk or drunk faster. I'm sure lawmakers have bigger
fish to fry in connecticut as if this is a fish to even fry.
for sanitary reasons? I can see how the perception of the bartender touching
the straw could be seen as unsanitary. but if it's wrapped or grabbed
correctly there is nothing gross about this. I can think of many things far
worse than this as a public health concern.
The only other explanation that comes to mind is that some official had an
unfortunate experience with a server/bartender/owner whatever that directly
involved a straw in their drink.