Northern Ireland retailers have been reminded that from 1 April, the increase to the carrier bag levy will be implemented.

The NFRN has created a series of posters for its members in Northern Ireland to display in their shops to prepare customers for the forthcoming price hike on carrier bags.

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The posters advise that from April 1 2022 carrier bags will cost 25p. They can be downloaded from the Fed’s website.

Commenting on the increase, Judith Mercer of Spar Greenway in Belfast said: “From an environmental standpoint, it makes sense.  We want there to be less plastic, but this price increase is a big jump.”

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The increase to the carrier bag levy was announced by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in November.  It said that doing so would further protect the environment and encourage consumers to reuse their carrier bags

The Fed challenged the increase when advised by environment minister Edwin Poots MLA in November 2021.

DAERA was warned that while the increase was beneficial from an environmental standpoint, it would impact on independent retailers at a time of great financial uncertainty.

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