Bag Ban Expansion Plans

Santa Barbara County Supervisors voted 3-2 to receive and endorse the draft of a single-use plastic bag ban ordinance in the unincorporated areas of the county.

The ban is based on a model already adopted by more than 80 jurisdictions, including the city of Santa Barbara.

It would require markets to charge a 10 cent fee for plastic bags in hopes that people will bring their own reusable bags.

UCSB students presented 7,000 signatures in favor of the ban.

But critics said it reminds them of big brother and would make them shop elsewhere.

Supervisors asked staff to bring back a final ordinance in the spring.