Just when you thought you might not have to pay for plastic bags at retailers anymore city council voted today not to re-visit the issue.

Only 18 of the city’s 45 councillors voted in favour of reopening the discussion, falling well short of the two-thirds needed to pass the motion.

The Ontario Convenience Stores Association says the ban violates the Charter of Rights and Freedoms  and has already announced plans to pursue legal action if it goes into effect as scheduled on January 1st.