This may become a good example of the law of unintended consequences. I completely agree with the intent of removing plastic bags from general use, but the results may not be what is intended. The law as I read it, is that retailers must provide paper bags OR sell reusable ones. Given the choice, I think that a retailer would choose the latter, no cost to the retailer. How many customers are going to buy what they currently get for free. Many ex-pats recognize the need to use reusable bags. IMHO, not so, some other of us and some Panamanians. Take a look at how most of the trash is packaged for pick-up. I see a number of small bags from the retailers. If plastic bags or free alternatives become unavailable, we run the risk of a garbage avalanche. Yes, not only the danger to sea life but I see them hanging from trees all along the roads. This is a problem, but maybe not as large as the one that is created by removing a free packaging of trash.