Bakersfield grocery stores and large retailers cannot give out single-use plastic carryout bags under California SB 270. Stores must charge at least 10 cents for each reusable or paper bag provided at checkout.
California SB 270, ratified by voters in 2016 as Proposition 67, banned thin single-use plastic carryout bags statewide. The law applies to Bakersfield grocery stores, pharmacies, large retailers with a pharmacy, convenience stores, and food markets. Stores must charge a minimum of 10 cents per recycled paper bag, compostable bag, or reusable bag of legal thickness. The fee is retained by the store and itemized on receipts. Smaller produce, bulk, and meat bags are exempt. Customers using WIC or CalFresh benefits cannot be charged. Senate Bill 1053, signed in 2024, will further restrict allowed reusable plastic bag types beginning in 2026.
Distributing prohibited single-use plastic bags or failing to charge the minimum bag fee can result in civil penalties starting at 1000 dollars per day per violation under SB 270 enforcement provisions.
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