The nationwide ban on single-use plastic bags has led to increasing incidences of shop cashiers being publicly abused and humiliated.

A recent survey of shop cashiers by the Samoa Observer – who didn’t want to be identified for security reasons – revealed that some shoppers got frustrated at the absence of plastic bags and slammed the cashiers. 

“Ever since the renovation started, people have been coming in with such undescribed attitude,” one cashier told the Samoa Observer.

“Telling us this and that, and then even went to the point where they actually swore at our face, while we are trying to explain why we are not using plastic bags anymore.”

While there are some businesses that sell biodegradable bags for $1.50 to $3.00, a cashier said some customers have refused to pay for the biodegradable bags.

“I don’t see any good reason why they have to be disappointed for, while the biodegradable bag cost $2.50 and can be use over and over again,” she said.

Another cashier said there were others who understood the ban on single-use plastic, but have refused to comply. 

“I believe some people are aware of the fact that plastic bags have been banned. But they refuse to understand – they just want to let us know that they are strong enough to say whatever they want to say – and it is very disrespectful.”

The cashiers said the Government’s decision to impose the ban on single-use plastic bags had nothing to do with them, and they were only doing their jobs. 

“It makes us feel so discouraged to do our job because we are trying our best and it is not our fault that they can’t use plastic bag anymore. 

“We give some people boxes for their shopping if they refuse to pay for the bag but they still complain about it so we have no other ways to address such baby issue,” they added.

Turning to their customers, they said a lot of them are “reacting like babies” when the solution is clear – bring your own shopping bags.