Half of Hong Kong retailers flout plastic bag levy in investigation by green group
Greeners Action says findings of probe reflect lax enforcement and management of levy scheme
More than half of 100 retail outlets inspected by a green group across the city gave out plastic bags to customers for free, flouting the rules of a mandatory levy implemented last year.
Greeners Action said the findings of its investigation reflected the government’s lax enforcement and management of the levy scheme since it was expanded to cover nearly all retailers across Hong Kong last April.
Last month the group launched an undercover operation to inspect 100 hardware, stationery, fashion and footwear stores along with shops selling household goods, accessories and miscellaneous items.
At least 55 of these retailers were caught doling out plastic bags to customers for free, and 52 of them even offered them willingly without the customer having to ask.