IE Business Daily Business news for the Inland Empire.
Cathedral City will soon begin the first phase of its ban on the use of plastic bags in most of the town’s retail stores.
The prohibition applies to several categories of stores, including full-line, self-service retailers who sell more than $2 million worth of goods a year and stores that cover at least 10,000 square feet and sell perishable or non-perishable goods, according to a statement posted on the city’s website.
The first part of the ordinance, which is based on similar bans in Palm Desert, Desert Hot Springs and Indio, is scheduled to go into effect Feb. 22.
A second phase, which will apply to drug stores, pharmacies and other smaller retailers, is scheduled to begin Aug. 22.
Restaurants and some non-profits are exempt from the ban, which the Cathedral City Council approved last July. Shoppers may use bags they bring into a store, and retailers may provide recycled paper bags for no less than 10 cents each.
Any store within the guidelines of the ordinance that does not comply risks a citation or fine.
