Plastic bag levy in force

It is anticipated that the new charge will make shoppers think twice before accepting a plastic bag along with their shopping and so lead to a reduction in the amount of carrier bags being used and ending up in landfill.

However, Northern Ireland Independent Retail Trade Association Chief Executive Glyn Roberts has expressed major concerns over the scheme claiming that “collecting and administration of the levy may pose a real burden” on local retailers.

He added, “We believe that this is the wrong stealth tax at the wrong time.”

In Banbridge traders seem to have adopted a more relaxed attitude with a number contacted by the Leader saying as it was introduced across the board it would make little difference.