Paper bag prices: CCPC warns Irish retailers of legal action

Retailers face penalties if shopping bag prices are hidden

The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (CCPC) issued the warning after receiving complaints from shoppers who said they could not find bag prices displayed in stores or near tills.

Under consumer protection laws, businesses must make prices easy to see and read, with the information displayed on or close to the product. 

The requirement applies to shopping bags as well as other items sold in shops.

Retailers that fail to meet these standards could face fixed penalties or be taken to court. 

The CCPC said it may take further action when it finds businesses breaking the rules, stressing that customers must have clear pricing information when shopping.

Brown Thomas, Zara and M&S among retailers charging for bags

The warning comes as more retailers introduce charges for paper bags.

Since 2023, Brown Thomas, Arnotts, Marks & Spencer, Zara, H&M and Eason have all begun charging customers for them, with environmental concerns among the reasons given.

Ireland has charged a levy on plastic bags since 2002. The fee currently stands at 22 cent, and the share of plastic bags found in litter nationally has fallen from around 5% to below 0.3%, The Irish Times reports.

Some stronger plastic bags sold for more than 70 cent are exempt from the levy. Supermarkets have responded by charging customers for these bags instead of handing them out for free