Tesco is giving out paper bags to dodge the 5p carrier bag charge

One London Tesco store has started giving out free US-style paper bags to avoid charging customers the new 5p carrier bag fee.

Large shops have been forced to charge customers 5p for every plastic carrier bag they use since October, mirroring a scheme already in place in Wales and aimed at protecting the environment.

But now staff at a Tesco branch in the capital are offering shoppers free recyclable paper bags to keep bills down.

A source at Defra said the new law did not prohibit shops from giving out free paper bags, but that the department would encourage shops to continue charging for plastic bags rather than making the switch.

“The key thing is encouraging people to reuse bags,” the source said. “The best thing to do is to have a plastic bag in your pocket.

“But clearly paper bags can be recycled and do degrade better than plastic bags, and they won’t end up strangling a turtle.”

In a statement last month, Tesco said it would be donating the 5p from each bag to charity.

“Tesco, like other large retailers, is now required by law to charge a minimum of 5p for every carrier bag used by a customer,” it said.

“Proceeds generated from sales of the bags will be given to good causes, as set out by Defra.

“Remember, there's no charge for using your own carrier bags but we won’t be awarding green Clubcard points for doing this anymore.

“Proceeds from the charge will go to good causes locally and nationally. Don’t forget your bags!”

Tesco confirmed the bags were being given out at just one of its London stores.