On Wednesday, May 4, a ban on single-use plastic and paper bags officially became the law in New Jersey. Considered one of the strictest in the nation, the bag ban became the new norm in the Garden State roughly 18 months after Gov. Phil Murphy signed the bill into law.
For anglers, there are a few notable exceptions to the new rule worth keeping in mind; first, stores can still distribute plastic bags for products like fresh produce, raw meat, or fish, which means that your clam and bunker purchases at the tackle shops may not be affected. However, you’ll want to make sure with that tackle shop how they’re treating the new law and you could be better off ensuring that you have a spare bucket or cooler ready just in case.
Also, while paper bags are included in the ban, businesses that are less than 2,500 square feet such as bodegas, coffee shops and liquor stores will still be able to send customers off with paper bags; some tackle shops may also apply under this part of the regulation however having a few reusable bags stored away behind your truck seat or in the trunk is advisable.
