WILMINGTON – A ban on plastic bags along parts of the North Carolina coast is now in place.

The law took effect Tuesday, requiring large grocery stores to stop giving away plastic bags. They must offer paper bags made of 100 percent recycled paper or customers may shop with reusable shopping bags.

The law only applies to large stores on islands or peninsulas in Dare, Currituck and Hyde counties. Supporters say it will keep the Outer Banks clean and protect the environment.