Plastic Bag Fines For Retailers Delayed
The new plastic bag ban went into effect yesterday, but the state is giving stores an extra month to be assessed fines. According to News 10 ABC, The Department of Environmental Conservation will hold off on imposing penalties to retailers until April 1st. A lawsuit has changed the DEC's mind so even though the law is in full effect, the fines won't be assessed for another month.
A bag manufacturer and convenience store owners filed a lawsuit that claims the plastic bag ban is unconstitutional. In an effort to hear their side, the Department of Environmental Conservation agreed on Friday that they would delay the enforcement so it can fight the lawsuit in Albany County Supreme Court.
This new plastic bag law carries hefty fines for retailers. Stores would be facing two hundred fifty to five hundred dollars in fines for continuing to use the plastic bags. The fines would be delayed until April 1st.