Over the past few years, a number of New Jersey municipalities adopted single-use plastic bag bans for the shops within their communities – including, locally, Long Beach Township, Stafford Township, Harvey Cedars and Beach Haven. During the COVID-19 pandemic, though, some of those towns temporarily lifted the ban as a way to provide flexibility for businesses and customers during a difficult time, with a return to the bag restrictions planned once the state of emergency status is lifted.

While those towns are ahead of the curve, all New Jersey business owners are encouraged to prepare for the impending…