Bodega owners, advocates feel the squeeze of plastic bag ban

A select group of grocery and bodega owners, as well as advocates, say they're feeling the squeeze of a government regulation on plastic bags.
Bronx Councilman Mark Gjonaj drafted a resolution insisting that the state does not enforce the plastic bag ban on March 1. He says he doesn't believe there has been enough time to educate New Yorkers and get a supply of recyclable bags.
Gjonaj did not give a specific timeline for what he believes is appropriate, only saying any length of time that would allow the governor's task force to get out in communities.
The law states that consumers will have to pay five cents for a paper bag carry-out fee if they do not provide their own reusable bag. However, this does not apply to SNAP and WIC recipients.
Advocates say there is a shortage of paper bags, and that they need extra time to stock up. Gjonaj tells News 12 he gave out 1,000 reusable bags recently, and that many constituents were not aware of the ban.
The group states that they support the ban and believe it's good for the environment, but that they just want extra time. News 12 reached out to the governor's office for a comment and has not heard back yet.