In order to reduce garbage in plastic bags and protect marine life, the government of Victoria is expected to impose a ban on plastic bags by the end of June this year, and consumers will have to pay extra for shopping when banned by plastic bags.
The Pioneer Sun newspaper reported on February 16 that 'disposable light plastic bags' used in supermarkets, convenience stores and takeaway food shops will be banned. It is understood that the ban on plastic bags does not include the small size used in butchers and fruit and vegetable shops Plastic bags and heavy-duty plastic bags for use in electronics stores or boutiques.
If the ban is implemented, large supermarkets, such as Woolworths and Coles, will sell reusable shopping bags to customers, small shops will be forced to pay for them or raise their prices.
In response, retailers warned the state government that banning the use of 'disposable lightweight plastic bags' will increase consumer spending because other types of shopping bags (such as heavy-duty plastic bags and bags) are more expensive.
It is learned that the government of Victoria has been in consultation with enterprises and communities in order to obtain a "fair and effective" design proposal. The government is also evaluating some of the submissions.