Tybee Island puts off vote on banning plastic bags

TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (AP) Tybee Island officials have delayed a vote on preventing local retailers from using plastic bags.

City council members on Thursday put off a scheduled vote on the proposal. The council plans to take up the issue again in 120 days.

Both Tybee Island and Athens-Clarke County have recently considered prohibiting grocery stores and other shops from using non-recyclable plastic to bag customers' purchases. Tybee Island's proposal called for a verbal warning followed by a fine similar to those for littering.

The Savannah Morning News reports that council members heard from residents and business owners for about two hours at Thursday's meeting.

Supporters say a ban could reduce litter on Georgia's largest public beach or harm to wildlife. Opponents say retailers and customers should have a choice.