Anchorage Passes Amendments to Plastic Bag Ban

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Anchorage Assembly has approved two major amendments to the recently imposed ban on use of single-use plastic shopping bags. The amendment was proposed by Assembly member Crystal Kennedy. Incidentally, Anchorage’s plastic bag ban had come into effect on 15^th September, 2019.

As per wordings of the original ordinance, retailers shall provide alternative bags. This has now been changed to ‘may provide’ alternative bags. Thus, it eliminates the requirement that businesses have to offer alternative bags. Commenting on the amendment, the Mayor’s office stated that the Assembly would not like to force businesses on offering bags. However, it clarified that businesses that opt to provide alternative bags are required to charge a minimum of 10 cents per bag.

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According to the second amendment, restaurants are exempted from charging customers for alternative bags. The Assembly approved the updated version of the ordinance that exempts restaurants, food sellers and markets from charging a fee for alternative bags. This follows raids which caught some drive-thru customers being charged for bags in receipts.

Meantime, sources indicate that the Anchorage Assembly is likely to come up with another amendment in its next sitting, to do away with the minimum charge of 10 cents on alternative bags.

The ban is aimed at encouraging shopkeepers to bring their own reusable bags.