Laguna Beach Plastic Bag Ban

The City of Laguna Beach Environmental Committee recommended banning single-use plastic bags from all stores and city facilities, except for restaurant’s carryout bags. Grocery stores and pharmacies could provide recycled paper bags instead, for a fee. Like a previous ban on foam containers, businesses would have six months to use up their supply of the bags. After that, violators would receive a warning for the first offense, followed by increasing fines for additional offenses. City staff hosted a community workshop on the issue in October 2011 and we are waiting their return to the council with a draft ordinance. Laguna Beach City Council approved the ordinance at their Feb 7, 2012 City council meeting then confirmed it with a second and final vote on Feb 18, 2012.