Philadelphians will soon have to pay a 10-cent fee for paper bags in the city after Mayor Cherelle Parker allowed the bill to become law without her signature.

The bill, sponsored by Councilmember Mark Squilla, adjusts language in the city's existing plastic bag ban to include a paper bag fee. Parker declined to sign or veto the bill, which was passed by City Council in October, instead returning it to council unsigned, allowing it to become law.

The bill encourages Philly residents to bring their own reusable bags to stores for shopping, with hopes of limiting the use of single-use bags. It requires businesses to charge 10 cents per paper bag used and post signs telling customers of the new fees.

The Parker administration raised concerns about the bill when it was introduced.

Carl

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