Philadelphia shoppers are now encountering an additional charge at the register as grocery bills continue to strain American family budgets.
Starting this January, a fresh city ordinance requires Philadelphia retailers to levy a 10-cent charge for each paper bag provided to customers. City Councilman Mark Squilla spearheaded this measure, which took effect in November after Mayor Cherelle Parker declined to sign it into law.
The city council greenlit the bag charge with a 10-5 decision on Oct. 30. Squilla previously led efforts on the city’s plastic bag prohibition, implemented in 2021 with goals of creating a cleaner urban environment, cutting down on waste, and preserving taxpayer funds…