Shopkeepers face fines of up to €3,000 for dodging plastic bag tax

SHOPKEEPERS who give away plastic bags instead of charging the 15 cent Government levy are facing a crackdown and fines of up to €3,000.

Retailers have already sidestepped the fee by offering shoppers paper carriers instead but now the Government is getting tough on free plastic bags.

Environment Minister Dick Roche is ordering councils to stamp out the practice of giving away bags and to ensure shopkeepers charge the 15c levy.