• About
    • Board of Directors
    • Newsletter
    • Industry Alliances
    • Blog
  • Join the OCSA
    • How to Join
    • Retail Members
    • Vendor Partners
  • 50/50 Lottery
  • Member Benefits
    • Lottery
    • Moneris
  • Training Certifications
  • Contact Us
  • About
    • Board of Directors
    • Newsletter
    • Industry Alliances
    • Blog
  • Join the OCSA
    • How to Join
    • Retail Members
    • Vendor Partners
  • 50/50 Lottery
  • Member Benefits
    • Lottery
    • Moneris
  • Training Certifications
  • Contact Us
JOIN NOW

Convenience stores take legal action against City of Toronto plastic bag by-law

November 15, 2012 – Toronto – Citing the harm to Toronto businesses, the Ontario Convenience Stores Association (OCSA) has moved forward with legal action against the City of Toronto to halt the implementation of the City’s proposed plastic bag by-law, which is set to take effect on January 1, 2013.

On behalf of its members OCSA is opposing the draft by-law on several grounds, including that the by-law falls outside the City’s jurisdiction pursuant to the City of Toronto Act, and was approved without a proper consultation process. OCSA has retained Eric S. Block and Ronald Podolny of McCarthy Tétrault LLP to prosecute the case.

“Convenience stores have taken legal action against the City of Toronto to prevent this unfair and poorly thought-out by-law from being implemented. The proposed by-law is invalid and was rushed forward with essentially no consultation with the businesses it will harm,” said Dave Bryans, CEO of the Ontario Convenience Stores Association. “The by-law selectively exempts dozens of plastic bags, but targets a single type – one that many retailers rely upon and that research shows consumers frequently re-use after they carry home their purchases.”

A typical consumer purchase at a convenience store includes a variety of small items. The business model of convenience stores also often relies on impulse purchases along with staples like milk and bread. The ability to provide consumers with reliable, strong and cost-effective bags to carry their purchases home is a vital part of convenience stores’ ability to meet consumer demand.

“Torontonians don’t normally drop into convenience stores with reusable bags. If merchants are prohibited from providing plastic bags, shoppers will be less likely to make purchases and that will mean Toronto’s small, family-run convenience stores will be hit hardest,” added Bryans.

Share Article:

Become an OCSA Member

*if you have more than one location, please contact our office at 904.845.9152 to discuss multiple store discounts.

Earlier Posts

OCSA Convenience Stores report on RTD - ready to drink alcohol

Ready-to-Drink (RTD) Alcohol Industry Trends

Read More >
OCSA Red Stripe Official Beer of the Toronto Caribbean Carnival

How to Capitalize on Red Stripe Beer During the Toronto Caribbean Carnival

Read More >

Join Our
Newsletter

Get the latest updates on alcohol sales, member benefits, lottery, industry news and much more!

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: OCSA, 466 Speers Road, #3rd Floor, Oakville, ON, Ontario, L6K 3W9, CA, www.ontariocstores.ca. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

The OCSA represents 6,700 convenience store retailers in the province of Ontario. The not-for-profit association is active in advocacy, education and training for its members.

  • 466 Spears Road, 3rd floor, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6K3W9
  • info@conveniencestores.ca
  • 905.845.9152
Facebook-f Twitter Linkedin

Privacy Policy

Become a Member

Take advantage of a growing range of benefits including networking and exclusive professional development opportunities, as well as discounts on products and services from our partners.

*if you have more than one store, please contact our office to learn more about multiple location discounts.

© 2025 All Rights Reserved.

Powered by Sense of Agency.