Austin City Council has released the first draft of an ordinance to prohibit allsingle-use bags from retail stores by 2016.

Starting on January 1, 2013, retail stores within the city limits cannot providesingle-use bags to customers unless by request and with a surcharge of 25 centsper bag.

On January 1, 2016 all single-use bags will be banned from retail stores withreusable carryout bags being the only allowed options for consumers.