LA plastic bag ban at small shops goes in effect Tuesday

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A new phase of Los Angeles' plastic bag ban goes into effect Tuesday. The free, flimsy sacks will be banned in mom and pop shops and convenience stores.

Phase one went into effect in January for supermarkets and big corporate chains. Phase two is just fine with Nelson Garcia, who owns Alba Snacks and Services in South L.A. In fact, he says good riddance.

"Customers come to buy chips or a candy for 10 cents and they want a bag for that and it isn't necessary when they can end it," he said.

Ending blight and pollution is the objective of L.A.'s ordinance. Supporters of the ordinance say they are pleased with the results of phase one. Improvements are visible.

"If you look around our neighborhoods and freeways, plastic bags have largely vanished. It's wonderful," Councilman Paul Koretz said.

City agencies are working with non-profits in an education campaign. Green Vets L.A. and Homeboy Industries are among those getting the word out to stock up on reusable bags.

"It's been pretty good, it's been easy to get in touch with the store owners one-on-one, especially in partnership with the Bureau of Sanitation, they're going out all of the time have been going out all of time too," said Esther Park with the Healthy Neighborhood Market Network.

In South L.A., Nelson Garcia says he expects customers will embrace the change -- less trash, and a better environment for families.