Retailers must explain charge on paper bags – Ó Muirí

The growing number of retailers charging for paper bags is unfair on shoppers and contrary to sustainable shopping habits, a Fine Gael Councillor has said.

Councillor Naoise Ó Muirí, who is contesting the General Election for Fine Gael in Dublin Bay North, said that shoppers should not have to pay this charge as retailers have failed to explain upfront what the charge is for.

“I purchased shoes in a well-known retailer recently and the shop assistant levied a 20-cent charge for a paper carrier bag to bring the shoes home. I asked the shop assistant what the money was to be used for but he couldn’t tell me.

“Charging shoppers for paper bags, without knowing the purpose of the charge, is unacceptable and unjustified.

“The introduction of the plastic bag levy was widely understood and accepted. This is in stark contrast to the lack of transparency surrounding the reasoning behind the paper bag charge, which seems to be merely going towards the retailers’ profits.

“There has been a major shift from plastic to paper bags in recent years, and shoppers are already recycling paper bags at home, meaning this charge is out of kilter with our efforts to encourage people to move towards more sustainable behaviours.

“This is a short-sighted measure by those retailers who have opted for introducing this charge without explanation, as people will simply vote with their feet by shopping elsewhere. Retailers who do opt for this charge should also alert shoppers with signs, and not spring it on them at the till,” concluded Councillor Ó Muirí.