Jens J.
Yelp
Today is the first day of Seattle's new plastic bag ban.
I can deal with a plastic bag ban because it has been that way in Portland for some time now. However, the Seattle City Council in their infinite "wisdom" decided that not only were they going to ban plastic bags, they were also going to charge 5¢ per paper bag. Yes, yes, I get that it is great to bring your own bag to the store in obeisance to Mother Earth (and the Seattle City Council, because they know best).
But say, what if you are out and about, and didn't know when you left home that you were going to need to shop - so you don't have a reusable bag on your person. Can I still get a bag at the store?
Tough sh*t says Safeway, if you are using the self-checkout.
I came here today, and there were no bags available at the self-checkout stations...of any kind. The exception was when there was an employee manning the self-check aisles - and then - you could go up and ask, please sir, may I have a bag. However, if you want a paper bag, it won't have handles. (Note to Safeway: consult with New Seasons, Whole Foods and Fred Meyer; they have bags with handles). And Safeway's "eco" green bag is the size of a purse. Real practical. If the attendant is not available, you are out of luck. No bag for you.
Since I only returned to this Safeway in the past couple years because they put back in the self-checkout - now that getting a suitable bag for my groceries is such a hassle - I'm done shopping here.
In this brave new world that we live, I've learned that to survive, I must buy my booze and groceries in Portland for trips to Seattle.