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Wales

Retailers urge gov’t to rethink plastic-bag ban

by Helena Drakakis

editorial@newtrade.co.uk

Retailers have called on the Welsh government to reconsider a plan to impose an outright ban on single-use plastic bags, after claims it won’t change consumer behaviour.

Last month, Welsh climate change minister Julie James revealed intentions to add plastic bags and wet-wipes that contain plastics to a wider ban, which was due to come into force last year, but has since been delayed.

However, The Fed’s Welsh district president, Vince Malone, told RN the move would not automatically lead to the long-term behaviour change needed to cut usage.

“It’s a very blunt instrument,” he said. “If you ban plastic bags outright, people will trade up to bagsfor-life and these become the new disposables.”

Malone, who owns Premier Tenby Stores, already charges 10p for a plastic bag – 5p more than the minimum statutory amount in Wales – and 20p for a bag-for-life. He stressed that while he believed people wanted to do better and were environmentally conscious, this didn’t always result in them remembering to bring their own bag.

“I am in a popular holiday area, so people often want convenience,” he said. “They aren’t in the habits they are in at home, and they forget. However, if the cost of bags went up to £1 people might think twice because that could add as much as £4 to a weekly shop.”

Malone added that previously he has trialled cardboard boxes for home delivery items, but that many customers asked for bags.

Trudy Davies, of Woosnam & Davies News, in Llanidloes, said she also charges 10p per bag, and has generated £4,000 annually by doing so.

“If bags were banned outright, my community charities wouldn’t get that money, and while the number of people asking for bags has decreased, I do keep them in stock,” she said.

“I offer paper carriers, but these aren’t always practical, especially if it’s raining.” Davies reinforced fears the move by the government could be a step too far.

“You have to ask, where would it end?” she said. “In my bakery, I sell bread in plastic bags, and I can’t see an alternative.” Scotland and England doubled the charge of single-use plastic bags from 5p to 10p in 2021. Wales did not change its law, although many retailers have increased the price voluntarily.

No part of the UK has banned plastic bags outright, although a ban on wet-wipes is being considered in England.

A ban on throwaway plastic and polystyrene utensils came into force in Scotland on 1 June.

National

Protection for shop staff welcomed

The Fed has welcomed the introduction of the amended Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act, which came into effect last week.

As a result, common assault against anyone working in a retail store will be classed as an aggravated offence, carrying with it tougher penalties.

The Fed’s national president, Jason Birks, said: “Attacks against store owners and staff have been increasing for years, so I am pleased we are being given the same protection in law as other frontline workers.

“Being attacked verbally or physically while just going about your daily business should not be tolerated and seen as part of the job.”

Birks added that the most important thing will be that the police and the Crown Prosecution Service work together to ensure the new law “acts as an effective deterrent and not just a piece of paper”.

He also urged store owners to report all retail crime so that authorities could be given a true picture of the problem. “It’s essential that retailers report all incidents to highlight the scale of the problem, and the police response has to improve if retail crime is to be tackled head on,” he said.

The change in the law follows years of lobbying MPs in Westminster by The Fed. The Act was fully introduced on 28 June.

Northern Ireland Training course available

Store owners located in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take part in a subsidised training course designed to boost business performance and growth.

The 12-week course called ‘Help to Grow: Management’ is aimed at owners, leaders and senior managers from SME businesses.

It combines online and face-to-face tutorials covering leadership, innovation, digital, employee engagement, marketing, responsible business and financial management.

Participants will be able to secure one-to-one support from a business mentor; access to a network of like-minded business leaders; and a growth plan to help their businesses reach its potential.

The course is 90% government funded and delivered by Ulster University Business School.

National

First Note expiry reminder

Retailers have been reminded to deposit or exchange any surplus First Trust bank notes, after they became inactive on 30 June.

From 1 July, the bank notes will not be accepted as payment. However, notes can be deposited or exchanged for Bank of England notes, or other sterling bank notes, free of charge at AIB banks.

Proof of identity and address will be required, and limits will apply. Post Office outlets will also accept First Trust bank notes for deposit.