Local shops 'should charge for carrier bags'

More than half of consumers (59%) think local shops should charge for carrier bags, research commissioned by the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) has found.

The findings follow the Prime Minister's declaration of commitment to "eradicate" single-use carrier bags and Marks & Spencer's plan to introduce a 5p charge on their plastic bags.

The research also found that 64% of people were prepared to pay more for locally-sourced products such as milk, bread and vegetables, while 64% believed that people should use their car less when shopping.

ACS Chief Executive, James Lowman said the poll showed how important it is for retailers to consider ways of making their business greener. However, he said that the introduction of carrier bag charges would not be right for every business.

Shane Brennan, communications manager for the Association of Convenience Stores (ACS), told More Than Business News in February: "We are willing to look at charging options but we would be concerned to ensure that they have the desired effect and do not penalise local stores through excessive red tape and drive customers out of local shops into supermarkets."

The results of the survey, which polled over 1000 people, will be discussed at the ACS's annual conference on 24 April. The summit will this year focus on the environment as one of its major themes.