CUYAHOGA COUNTY, Ohio — In just months,the coronavirus pandemic has quickly changed the lives of residents and businesses across the state of Ohio. On Monday, as Governor Mike DeWine announced plans to re-open the state in phases, Cuyahoga County officials also announced plans to help local grocery chains.
County Council is suggesting the plastic bag ban slated to take effect July 1 be delayed until January 1, 2021.
“The delay of this ban is not to downplay the importance of eliminating plastic bags and the positive impact that will have on our community, but rather to address current anxieties and relieve concerns some are having during this pandemic,” said County Councilwoman, Sunny Simon, sponsor of the ban, in a press release.
The is not the first time, officials have voted to delay the bans enforcement. In December, retailers were granted a six month grace period to prepare for the ban that took effect January 1.
Retailers that are first-time violators of the ban would be subject to a written warning, with second violations carrying a civil fine of $100 and subsequent violations resulting in fines up to $500. Enforcement will be handled by the Cuyahoga County Department of Consumer Affairs.
The decision to delay the enforcement again, is awaiting council approval.
