In its final act before breaking for the annual August recess, the Annapolis City Council passed legislation Monday night, banning the use of some plastic bags in Annapolis.

Similar to legislation in Anne Arundel Arundel County, the bill bans the use of free plastic bags in businesses such as grocery stores. Instead, paper bags, priced at 10 cents, would be available.

The Annapolis bill, sponsored by Alderman Rob Savidge, a Democrat representing Ward 7, exempts places such as farmers markets.

The legislation passed 7-1. Alderman DaJuan Gay, a Democrat representing Ward 6, was the only “no” vote.

Other exemptions include businesses that provide fresh flowers, dry cleaning, newspapers, ice, baked goods, prescription drugs from a pharmacy and bulk items such as vegetables, nuts and seafood.

Gay attempted to add an amendment that would exempt residents who use bus tokens or public assistance, but it was defeated 5-3.

Alderman Ross Arnett, a Democrat representing Ward 8, said that type of exemption would create an “administrative burden.” Savidge argued that businesses would have to order plastic bags along with paper ones, putting an extra cost on both the retailer and the environment.

The city will spend $5,000 from the current operating budget to purchase reusable bags to distribute to low-income residents.

“I support the plastic bag ban one hundred percent, I just would have preferred an amendment to alleviate some of the cost associated with the bags for, you know, our most vulnerable citizens,” Gay said Monday.

Businesses focused on selling meals, such as fast-food restaurants, school cafeterias and delis do not have to charge the bag fee.

The legislation goes into effect Jan. 22. A resolution setting fines has not been passed yet. The proposed fines start at $500 and go up to $1,000.

Whether Anne Arundel County or the City of Annapolis receives the money from the fines is unclear, said Alderwoman Elly Tierney, a Democrat representing Ward 1.

The city would not ask Anne Arundel County to enforce city laws, said Mitchelle Stephenson, spokesperson for the city. The Finance Committee will take up the resolution when the council returns from recess in September, Tierney said.

City Manager Michael Mallinoff will decide which department enforces the bill.