Scottish newsagents welcome carrier bag charge
Scottish independent retailers have welcomed the news that a minimum charge of 5p for plastic carrier bags will be introduced from 20 October in Scotland.
The Single Use Carrier Bags Charge (Scotland) Regulations 2014 were approved by the Scottish Parliament this week.
Under the regulations, retailers will be required to charge customers at least 5p for a single use bag with the proceeds being donated to charitable causes.
National Federation of Retail Newsagents Scottish president Sharon Sisman said: “The approval of the regulations is great news for independent newsagents and convenience stores across Scotland. Not only will the charge benefit the environment by reducing the number of single use bags that are distributed, it will also benefit our businesses financially.
“I am also delighted that the proceeds will be donated to good causes. Newsagents are at the heart of their communities and the charge will allow them to ‘give back’ through the donation of proceeds to local charities.”
