Manhattan Beach Passes Ordinance to Ban Plastic Carry-Out Bags

The Manhattan Beach City Council voted unanimously to prohibit carry-out plastic bags. Speaking in support of the ordinance was Surfrider Foundation legal intern, Rachel Dorfman, as well as Craig Cadwallader, Chair, and Alan Walti, Environmental Coordinator, of the South Bay Chapter. Representatives of Heal the Bay, the Earth Resource Foundation, and Manhattan Beach residents, including one 9 year-old resident, also encouraged passage of the ordinance. The plan will be phased in over two time periods, with grocery stores, food vendors, restaurants, pharmacies, and City facilities being given a 6-month period from tonight, and one year for all other retail establishments and vendors.