City May Ban Plastic Film Bags From Produce Sections In Stores

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — Laguna Beach grocery stores may no longer be able to stock plastic film bags in the future, after the Laguna Beach City Council directed city staff to research a possible plastic film bag ban in grocery stores Tuesday.

The choice to move forward with researching the possible ban was made during Tuesday's city council meeting.

According to the city, if the research finds that a ban is feasible, the city staff will present a proposed ordinance amendment to the council in late 2023.

The analysis comes after the Environmental Sustainability Committee held a review of the plastic pollution policies implemented by the city and state regarding grocery store usage of reusable plastic bags, according to a staff report.

"The committee identified a loophole in both bans," the report said. "Specifically, grocery stores are still permitted to sell plastic film bags under the classification of 'reusable' as opposed to 'disposable.'"

"It is important to note that the term 'reusable plastic film' does not necessarily imply 'recyclable,'" the report said.