London Local Authorities (Shopping Bags) Bill

To introduce in London a prohibition on the supply of certain bags by retailers, to confer powers upon local authorities in London to enforce the prohibition; and for related purposes.

In progress Current stage: 2nd reading (Commons)

The story so farThe London Local Authorities (Shopping Bags) Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 27 November 2007. It is now at second reading in the House of Commons. Second reading is the first debate on the overall principle of the bill; if the bill clears it, detailed committee scrutiny follows.

What the bill does

<p>The Bill introduces a prohibition on the distribution of free, throw-away shopping bags by retailers in the capital, and gives powers to local authorities to enforce this. Some exemptions apply:</p><ul><li>small bags used to contain any unpackaged food for human or animal consumption </li><li>bags used for packaging any goods and sealed before the goods are offered for retail sale or supply</li><li>bags sold for use by the customer away from the premises at which they are sold</li><li>bags provided to the customer for the transmission of goods to the retailer</li><li>bags designed to be used for the disposal of waste</li><li>bags used to contain goods sold on board a ship, aircraft, train or bus used for carrying passengers.</li></ul>

Progress through Parliament

Petition to introduce a Private Bill presented to Parliament Unassigned 27 Nov 2007
1st reading Commons 22 Jan 2008
2nd reading Commons Current

Source: the official bill page. Last updated 27 Nov 2008.