Convenience stores sue City over plastic bags ban

The plastic bag ban is going to be tested in court as an association of Ontario Convenience stores and the Toronto Taxpayers Coalition take legal action against it. The Ontario Convenience Stores Association began action yesterday. It  complains that the ban was approved without consultation — which is surely true. City council must still approve the ban, which is to take effect on Jan. 1, 2013, after the city’s public works and infrastructure committee adopted the proposed bylaw on Wednesday. Association spokesman Dave Bryans calls the proposed bylaw “invalid” and says it was rushed forward with essentially no consultation with the businesses it will harm members. Bryans says the ability to provide consumers with reliable, strong and cost-effective bags to carry their purchases home is a vital part of convenience stores’ ability to meet consumer demand. The Taxpayers Coalition is also preparing action.