Proposed plastic bag restrictions in Columbia

A proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of single-use plastic bags in grocery, convenience and pharmacy businesses will soon be put to a vote by the Columbia City Council. If approved, Columbia would be the first city in Missouri to adopt such restrictions.

Mixed opinions were heard at a public forum Feb. 3. The council is currently gathering additional public opinion before making its decision.

Details of the proposed ordinance

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• Grocery, pharmacy and convenience stores cannot give out single-use plastic bags at the point-of-sale.

• Stores may provide reusable bags and/or recyclable paper bags.• Stores must charge a fee of at least 10 cents for a paper bag.• Stores are encouraged to reward customers with rebates or charitable contributions for bringing

their own bags.• The fee will be waived for customers on food stamps and the Women, Infants and Children food

assistance program.• Exemptions are allowed for restaurant carryout, produce bags and bags used for sanitation

purposes.• Nothing in the ordinance will be construed to prohibit customers from using bags of any type that

they bring to the store.• The ordinance would take effect six months after adoption.• Any store that violates the restrictions will be subject to a $500 fine per offense. Each day the

violation continues will be considered a separate and distinct offense.

Contact your Columbia City Council representative to share your thoughts. (Find yours at gocolumbia-mo.com/Council/Meet_The_Council/)

Contact Missourian reporter Allen Fennewald with questions or comments at agft42@mail.missouri.edu or (573) 882-2402.

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Feb. 17, 2015