Southampton has passed a measure prohibiting retailers from using non-biodegradable bags, after the village board voted 5-0 in favor of the ban.
Merchants have six months to start using paper or reusable bags.
Violators face a $1,000 fine and up to 14 days in jail.
The nonprofit Citizens Campaign for the Environment says Southampton is the first New York state municipality to implement a ban on plastic bags. It says a similar ban exists in Westport, Conn.
The village said plastic bags pose a danger to marine and avian life and frequently are found littering public places.
With AP
