Leaders discuss banning plastic bags

A plastic bag ban is becoming a big issue for Columbia residents.

ABC 17 News has reported on the city council’s proposed ordinance to cut out the bags given at grocery store checkouts, pharmacies, and convenience stores.

Lawmakers are also debating the ban for consumers statewide.

It was a hot topic at a 2 day meeting of municipal officials in Jefferson City.

House Speaker John Diehl touched on the plastic bag ban Tuesday afternoon at the Capitol Plaza Hotel.

“We should give consumers as many options. I’m not very interested in government telling people what kind of bags they need to use in a grocery store. That’s something the consumers can figure out with the shops that they’re shopping in. It probably isn’t something the government needs to be involved in,” said Diehl.

Supporters of the ban said it will help limit how much litter ends up in creeks and rivers.

The Columbia City Council could vote on it as early as March.