New law fines stores $2,000 daily for unsecured shopping carts in Prince George’s County

PRINCE GEORGE’S COUNTY, Md. (7News) — Tuesday was the final council session of the year in Prince George’s County and several new laws were passed. One of the laws, which focuses on abandoned shopping carts, was viewed as controversial.

Discarded shopping carts abandoned at bus stops and tossed in ditches may soon be a thing of the past in Prince George’s County. But it’s retailers that will be held accountable for the carts scattered around the county.

READ| Prince George’s County targets abandoned shopping carts with new bill

Stores that have more than 20 shopping carts are now required to clearly label their carts and take steps to make sure their carts are secured. If not, it’ll be a costly penalty.

According to the bill passed this week, stores will be fined $2,000.

But, not everyone believes this is the way to fix the problem.

The Maryland Retailers Alliance argues that stores are not allowing their carts to be moved or taken off the property, they’re essentially being stolen. 7News asked council member Wala Blegay, who co-sponsored the bill, why to burden the business owners.

“If you have an unattended parking lot, frankly that’s when they get stolen. So we do find that if you have the proper staffing to address the carts by making sure that each cart that is brought to a car is brought back, you have less of a problem,” Blegay said.

The fine will apply every day and pile up until the business complies.

The county will begin issuing the fines starting next June.