Symbol groups encourage smaller stores to introduce bag tax

Although stores with fewer than 250 employees are exempt from the Government legislation, which begins on October 5 and makes it compulsory for shoppers to pay 5p per bag, symbol groups are advising retailers to introduce it and donate the proceeds to charity. A similar levy is already in force in Wales and Scotland.

“We are encouraging all our retailers to charge 5p for single-use plastic bags regardless of employee numbers,” said Barry Wallis, Spar UK retail development & regulatory affairs controller. “To raise awareness of the charge, PoS, including A4 notices and shelf barkers, will be displayed in store.

We are encouraging all retailers to charge 5p for single-use plastic bags regardless of employee numbers

Today’s Group, Landmark and Londis are also asking their members to support the legislation.

The One Stop Franchise said it has introduced the charge across its entire estate in England to avoid any confusion among shoppers. Andrew King, One Stop’s franchise director, said: “Stores will decide which local causes will benefit from the money raised from the bag charge, which will reinforce the great work One Stop already does on a local level.”

One stop retailers will be charging for plastic bags and donating the proceeds to charities

Several symbol groups, along with trade associations, are lobbying the Government to make the charge universal in order to clear up any consumer misconception on how the tax has been introduced.