Paper, plastic — or reusable? ‘Bring Your Own Bag Act’ to take effect in Baltimore County

For the 35 years he’s owned Monaghan’s Pub in Woodlawn, Jack Milani has always offered free paper bags to his customers after a sale. But starting Wednesday, when Baltimore County’s Bring Your Own Bag Act goes into effect, he will have to charge them for something to carry their purchase in. The law, which the County Council passed earlier this year, bars retailers from offering single-use bags of thin plastic film and requires them to charge at least 5 cents for each paper or reusable bag they provide.