Bente Cooney

Chesapeake Legal Alliance’s (CLA) excellent legal research has provided a path for moving forward in terms of establishing the legal footing for Queen Anne’s County (QAC) to ban plastic carryout bags.  Perhaps most importantly, the research also established that such an ordinance can allow retailers to charge a fee for paper bags.  A fee will encourage consumers to bring their own reusable bags, which is the ultimate goal of this effort.  CLA was able to establish that a Code Home Rule County, such as QAC, has the right to pass an ordinance to this effect, based on the nuisance clause in Maryland code counties.  We are deeply grateful to William Halnon and his team for this important work which was produced in a timely manner.  Mr. Halnon’s friendly and professional demeanor has been a pleasure with which to work.