Store unclear on plastic-bag questions

Re: “Plastic-bag ban started July 1, shops get time to use up stock,” July 12.

After making a recent purchase, I was asked if I wanted to buy a bag for 15 cents. I asked where the money went. The store manager did not know.

He knew only that he bought his store’s bags (at much less than 15 cents each) and was required to charge for them. He said he had no clear direction on what happens next — where the money was supposed to go or how it was supposed to get there. He also said he didn’t know whether or not he could deduct the cost of the bags out of what he collects.

The bylaw states that the purpose of this bylaw is “to reduce plastic bag litter and waste.” So why are we being charged for recyclable paper bags? I don’t understand why stores are required to charge for environmentally friendly paper bags when they used to be able to supply them for free.

Why is it not their choice to give these away? After all, they are paying for them. And then to threaten stores with fines if they dare give a bag for free — what kind of way is that to treat your citizens?

Moreover, why is this being instituted as a form of “punishment”? Why am I, a consumer who contributes to the economy of this city, being admonished for shopping?

And, by the way, what is the collected money being used for? Diana Sharo Victoria