Come September, that oft-repeated query "Paper or plastic?" will no longer be uttered in supermarket checkout lanes in Santa Monica.
With single-use plastic bags about as popular as restaurant ashtrays in this progressive beachfront city, the City Council voted unanimously Tuesday to ban their distribution in stores.
The action was urged by Heal the Bay and other environmental groups that say widespread use of the cheap bags has created a global "plastic pollution plague."
Under the ordinance, plastic bags will no longer be available at grocery stores, clothing shops or other retailers, although restaurants may use them for takeout food. Smaller plastic "product bags" with no handles, like those used for produce, will be allowed for public health reasons.
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