First conviction in criminal proceedings against illegal distribution of plastic shopping bags
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A spokesman for the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) said that this was the first case in which criminal proceedings were instituted since the full implementation of PSB charging in April 1 last year. In December last year and February this year, fixed penalty notices were issued to the grocery store proprietor for failing to charge customers for the PSBs provided, and for offering a rebate to customers to offset the PSB charge. During an inspection at the store in July this year, EPD officers found that the store still had not complied with the requirements to charge for the PSBs provided. In order to deter repeated contraventions, the EPD decided to institute prosecution according to the PERO.
The spokesman said EPD officers have conducted more than 71 000 inspections at different retail points since the full implementation of PSB charging. As at November 30 this year, 302 fixed penalty notices had been issued to retailers who contravened the charging requirements.
Under the PERO, retailers have to charge customers not less than 50 cents for each PSB provided for the retail sale of goods, except in situations where there is an exemption. Only stating the price of the PSB without actually collecting the charge or providing a rebate to offset the charge would also violate the law. Retailers contravening the requirements are liable to a fixed penalty of $2,000 or even prosecution proceedings for repeated or serious contraventions, with first-time offenders liable to a maximum fine of $100,000.
The spokesman also called on members of the public to make a report to the EPD if illegal distribution of PSBs is seen. EPD enforcement staff will conduct investigation according to the information provided.
Ends/Thursday, December 1, 2016
Issued at HKT 13:30
Issued at HKT 13:30
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