Anchorage Mayor temporarily halts paper bag fee

The fourth coronavirus-related emergency order signed by Anchorage Mayor Ethan Berkowitz is putting a temporary halt to fees for the use of paper bags. The Mayor’s office says EO-04 will remain in effect throughout the coronavirus emergency declaration. The 10 cent bag fee had been attached to a plastic bag ban in an effort to encourage the use of reusable bags. Officials say since social distancing guidelines led to many businesses like restaurants quickly switching to pick-up or delivery options, using reusable bags became more of a challenge.