Amending Chapter 9-4900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled "Prohibition on Use of Certain Bags by Retail Establishments," to modify certain definitions, require retail establishments to charge a fee for the provision of a bag to customers, and require signage, all under certain terms and conditions.

Amending Chapter 9-4900 of The Philadelphia Code, entitled “Prohibition on Use of Certain Bags by Retail Establishments,” to modify certain definitions, require retail establishments to charge a fee for the provision of a bag to customers, and require signage, all under certain terms and conditions. WHEREAS, notwithstanding the groundbreaking efforts of Council in establishing a ban on the use of certain plastic bags by retail establishment in the City through adoption of Bill No. 190610-A (approved December 30, 2019), additional efforts are needed to encourage shoppers to bring their own reusable bags for the purpose of removing retail items purchased at stores, in order to reduce continued overuse of single-use and thick plastic bags; now therefore, THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. Title 9 The Philadelphia Code is hereby amended as follows: TITLE 9. REGULATION OF BUSINESSES, TRADES AND PROFESSIONS * * * CHAPTER 9-4900. PROHIBITION ON USE OF CERTAIN BAGS BY RETAIL ESTABLISHMENTS AND CHECKOUT BAG FEE § 9-4901. Definitions. * * * (2) Exempted Bag means: (a) a bag without handles used inside a retail establishment by a customer to deliver perishable items to the point of sale at that establishment, such as: to package bulk items such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, grains, or candy; to contain or wrap meats or fish; to contain unwrapped prepared foods or bakery goods; or to contain or wrap flowers, potted plants, or similar items; (b) a bag sold in…