Monday, October 3, 2022 – “A business may provide a paper bag to a customer free of charge if it is provided as part of a drive-thru, takeout, or delivery restaurant service.” On September 26, 2022, Council amended Checkout Bag Bylaw No. 831 in response to public feedback.
Background
On November 22, 2021, Sooke adopted its checkout bag bylaw to reduce the volume of plastic bags ending up in landfills and the environment. The new bylaw came into effect on May 22, 2022.
Since May 22, the District has received approximately 60+ calls from residents providing feedback on the bylaw. Most feedback received was in response to the charging for bags provided for restaurant purchases. The public shared that these purchases are not conducive to “bring your own bag” exchanges.
Following provincial legislation where municipalities have a bylaw, businesses must charge for paper and reusable checkout bags – unless exempted. With this change to the District’s Checkout Bag Bylaw, drive-thru, takeout, or delivery restaurant services are not required to charge for paper bags in Sooke.
Quote
Deputy Corporate Officer, Sarah Temple (oversees Bylaw Services) –
“We’re listening to the community. Staff received and presented resident feedback to Council for their decision. While there are opportunities to provide input on bylaws before they come into effect, sometimes we don’t receive this input until we’re living with the change. I would like to thank residents who respectfully shared their concerns and allowed staff to present this voice to Council.”
Learn more:
- Checkout Bag Bylaw No. 831
- Government of BC, Municipal Bylaws for Single-Use Plastics
- Subscribe to receive Council Agendas and Meeting Notifications
- Watch Council and Committee of the Whole Meetings