The new year marked a big change for shoppers in san jose. On January 1st, the city joined the growing number of jurisdictions to ban plastic bags. Single-use plastic bags are no longer permitted at retailers and grocery stores, (although the type of bag that protects produce and meats is still permitted). In addition to the plastic restrictions, paper shopping bags carry a fee of 10-cents per bag. Non-profit organizations and restaurants are exempt from the new rules.