London Local Authorities (Shopping Bags) Bill

The Bill introduces a prohibition on the distribution of free, throw-away shopping bags by retailers in the capital, and gives powers to local authorities to enforce this. Some exemptions apply:

• small bags used to contain any unpackaged food for human or animal consumption
• bags used for packaging any goods and sealed before the goods are offered for retail sale or supply
• bags sold for use by the customer away from the premises at which they are sold
• bags provided to the customer for the transmission of goods to the retailer
• bags designed to be used for the disposal of waste
• bags used to contain goods sold on board a ship, aircraft, train or bus used for carrying passengers.