Richland County has given initial approval to banning plastic bags that Lexington County is considering.

The ban needs 2 more approval votes. 

It does not give a date the ban would start.

Stores would either use reusable bags, bags made from recycled paper or have customers bring their own bags.

The State newspaper reported businesses could be fined up to $500 per violation and lose their business licenses.

Nearly 20 other local governments have passed similar bans. State lawmakers considered but did not pass legislation preventing local bans.