By now you have probably heard that several jurisdictions in Southern California have passed single-use bag ordinances that will impact stores you have in those areas. Unincorporated Los Angeles County and Calabasas stores are required to comply with those ordinances beginning on July 1, 2011. Santa Monica’s bag ordinance requires implementation by September 1, 2011.
In the coming days, CGA will begin passing along marketing materials and tips for how to streamline the changes you will need to comply with the ordinances’ provisions. For instance, you will need to consult with paper and reusable bag vendors to ensure that your bags comply with new labeling requirements and UPC codes. Cash registers will need to be re-programmed to record the sale of paper bags for new reporting requirements. Finally, you will need to train staff to understand the intricacies of the ordinances (e.g., WIC and SNAP customers may not be charged a 10 cent fee for paper bags while all other customers must be charged the fee). Non-compliance with the ordinances could result in fines and bad publicity.
As always, you can always give me a call at 818-841-8640 or email me at [email protected] if you have questions or would like CGA to discuss a specific issue with city or county staff on your behalf.