How will you prepare your team for the QLD Bag Ban?

There are only nine months until the QLD Bag Ban is enforced on 1 July 2018.

The National Retail Association (NRA) is urging retailers to start preparing now for the state-wide plastic bag ban.

The ban will apply to all retailers – not only supermarkets – including food businesses such as butchers, convenience stores, and takeaway restaurants.

NRA Manager for Industry Policy David Stout said that both shoppers and retailers needed to be across the detail of the ban to limit disruption to retail businesses and the shopping experience of customers.

“There’s a misconception that this ban will only apply to large supermarkets and that is simply not the case. The ban will apply to all single-use plastic bags used by retailers such as those used at the local butcher shop, bags used to carry produce at the fruit and veg shop and takeaway bags used by restaurants and food court outlets. If these retailers are not aware that the ban extends to them, they risk not only being unprepared, but also being fined for not complying with the new laws. To ensure that there is as minimal disruption as possible, it is vital that all retailers across Queensland begin to implement strategies that help to navigate the challenges that this ban may impose on their business.” – NRA Manager for Industry Policy, David Stout

Businesses will have three choices in the lead up to the ban:

Cease offering banned plastic bags
Charge for alternative bags
Provide a free alternative bag

“Queensland retailers need to begin considering the economic impact of the extra costs that may be imposed on their business and whether they have the ability to absorb the new costs or if they need to pass those costs onto shoppers,” Mr Stout said.

The NRA has partnered with the Queensland Government to help retailers navigate the upcoming bag ban and information that will assist retailers in minimising the impact on their business can be found at www.qldbagban.com.au.

Training Resources

The following training resources are designed to help retail teams to manage the plastic bag ban transition. More resources will be added in the lead up to the ban deadline. Please check back regularly for updates.