Retailers bag a breather
2003-05-13 08:18
Pietermaritzburg - It is unlikely that retailers will be prosecuted for handing out the old, thinner plastic shopping bags until at least the middle of June, according to the Plastics Federation of SA.
Its executive director, Bill Naude, said there is no formal window period, but the regulation is "based on standards which will only come into effect from the middle of June".
Since Friday, stores have been obliged to stop giving free, thin bags to customers, instead selling thicker, easily recycled bags, in a bid to reduce pollution.
There are stiff penalties for infringements, including a R10 000 fine or 10 years' imprisonment, or both.
The change has gone relatively smoothly despite worries that customers, who may now bring bags with them, might drop items into them before paying, and that not putting liquor in a bag is an offence.
Some shoppers are concerned that stores are now selling the same bags that they have always given out.
Jonathon Morse, operations director for Mr Price, said the clothing chain always met the government regulation.
"Our bags have always been 40 micron thick, meaning that we have always been above the now minimum thickness," he said.