The Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ), the state-owned corporation responsible for the trade of alcoholic beverages in the Canadian province of Quebec, moved ahead today with its plan to charge customers for single-use bags in its outlets. Customers who now ask for a paper or plastic single-use bag will have to pay five cents for a one-bottle bag, ten cents for a two-bottle bag, and fifteen cents for a four-bottle bag.

According to SAQ, in a press release dated August 28, this measure marks the beginning of a transition phase that will prepare its customers for the total elimination of single-use bags in January 2009. SAQ adds that proceeds from the sale of the bags will be donated to an organization that works in the field of sustainable development.

To commemorate this event, SAQ gave out free reusable bags to all customers that made their purchases yesterday. The SAQ-branded reusable bags went back on sale today for 75 cents.

SAQ estimates that their plan will ultimately reduce the amount of single-use bags in circulation by 80 million per year.

Source: www.saq.com