LONG BEACH (CBS) — The Long Beach City Council is expected to pass a ban on plastic shopping bags at grocery stores effective Aug. 1.

The council gave preliminary approval to the proposal in a 6-2 vote in December.

Big chains such as Ralphs would have to start charging 10 cents per paper bag for shoppers who don’t bring reusable bags. Smaller stores would have until Jan. 15.

Bans on plastic bags started in Northern California have also been enacted in Southern California cities like Santa Monica. Last year, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors passed a similar ban that takes effect in July.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)