WASHINGTON — An amendment is being made to the Giant Food bag policy issued three months ago in D.C.
In May, Giant Food passed a bag policy to help reduce the amount of thefts they were experiencing. The policy states that customers cannot bring suitcases, duffel bags, or bags larger than 14” x 14” x 6” while shopping in these stores, which are all locations in D.C. and some additional ones throughout the region.
After months of D.C. residents complaining, the grocery franchise has decided to take a different approach to its bag policy. On Wednesday, Giant Food SVP Operations, Diane Hicks issued a statement to ANC Rachelle Nigro to address the issues residents were having.
This has been an ongoing issue for residents in the District who have to travel to grocery stores on public transportation. The new policy states that customers who wish to bring bags that are 14" x 14" x 6" must provide consent to have their bags tagged upon entry and inspected before leaving the store. Bags larger than 14" x 14" x 6" are still not allowed in the store. This does not include reusable bags.
Despite this issue impacting all District residents, the new changes will only be implemented in five of the seven Giant Food locations. The changes went into effect on Thursday.
Additionally, select Giant Food stores will no longer allow anyone under the age of 18 to enter if they aren't with an adult after 6 p.m. starting Aug. 22.
Stores that allow backpacks and ban unacompanied minors after 6 p.m.:
- 1400 7th Street NW Washington, DC 20001
- 300 H Street NE Washington, DC 20002
- 4303 Conn Ave NW Washington, DC 20008
- 1345 Park Road, NW Washington, DC 20010
- 3336 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016 (will allow minors)
Stores that do not allow backpacks and ban unacompanied minors after 6 p.m.:
- 1535 Alabama Ave SE, Washington, DC 20032
- 1050 Brentwood Rd NE, Washington, DC 20018
- 5150 Sinclair Ln, Baltimore, MD 21206
- 601 East 33rd St. Baltimore, MD 21218
- 20 Audrey Lane Oxon Hill, MD 20745
- 4119 Branch Ave, Marlow Heights, MD 20748
5500 Silver Hill Rd, District Heights, MD 20747