A flyer we made at the Columbia Missourian to help the community get a sense of the details of the proposed plastic bag ordinance.

1. 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
Make your voice heard
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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