The Welsh Government has published a draft Bill which seeks to ban or restrict the sale of plastic bags.
Currently subject to a 5p charge in Wales, this proposed ban follows a consultation canvassing opinion from stakeholders.
A second consultation sought views on banning nine single-use plastic products including: cups, cutlery, drink-stirrers, lids for cups or takeaway food containers, straws, plates, balloon sticks, carrier bags and cotton buds.
The Environmental Protection (Single-use Plastic Products) (Wales) Bill, which has been published as part of the Environment and climate change planning and strategy, would prohibit the sale of these products. The draft Bill will make it an offence for a person to supply or offer to supply, including for free, a consumer in Wales with the single-use plastic products listed.
The Senedd’s Climate Change, Environment and Infrastructure Committee has invited businesses and organisations to comment of the draft Bill with a deadline of 5 September.
When announcing the draft Bill, Julie James MS, Minister for Climate Change, said: “The Bill will be the first step in a programme of measures aimed at tackling plastic pollution and delivering our Programme for Government commitment to abolish commonly littered single-use plastic products.”
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “Convenience retailers are committed to making a positive difference in the communities that they operate and local shops in Wales have played a key role in reducing single-use plastics across Wales. This evident in the reduction of plastic bag usage through the successful implementation of the 5p charge. We have previously raised concerns about a blanket ban on these products and in particular the inclusion of plastic carrier bags in the ban as shoppers value the ability to purchase bags when they forgotten theirs or are doing an unplanned trip.”
Lowman raised concerns about the timeline for the proposed legislation. “The draft Bill currently fails to specify an implementation date and it is important that the Welsh Government provides clarification on the timescales for the introduction of a ban to ensure a realistic sell-through period for retailers on the prohibited products. Another key factor is ensuring that any ban is supported by a comprehensive communications campaign to avoid frustration and confusion amongst customers. We will continue to engage with the Welsh Government on the delivery of their plans to ensure that it is workable for retailers.”
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