The Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order 2015 deserves wider recognition
As carrier bag hysteria swept the UK today, the law surrounding the 5p charge has taken pedantic drafting to a whole new level.
Those responsible for creating the 20-page statutory instrument which implements the new regime weren’t taking any chances, with The Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order 2015 even defining what a carrier bag is.
It explains that the item is:
…an unused bag made of lightweight plastic material with handles, other than an excluded bag.
But what counts as an “excluded bag”? The full list of the exceptions — which include “live aquatic creatures bag” and “uncooked meat food bag” — can be enjoyed below:
According to the final page of what government lawyers may affectionately refer to as SUCBC(E)O, it would appear you can purchase your very own paper copy of this fascinating piece of legislation for the bargain price of just £6.
Form an orderly queue.
Read the legislation in full below:
The Single Use Carrier Bags Charges (England) Order 2015
Hat tips to @CarlGardner and @JackofKent.