The Honolulu City Council this morning approved a bill that would ban the distribution of plastic bags by retailers effective July 1, 2015.

The vote was 7-1, with Councilman Nestor Garcia the sole no vote. Councilman Stanley Chang did not attend today’s meeting at Kapolei Hale.

Retailers testified against the bill, saying they preferred a ban that also took into consideration paper bags.

A number of consumers, meanwhile, said they support a ban on plastic bags and hope eventually paper bags will also be banned.

Garcia said he preferred a fee for plastic bags, at least temporarily.

The bill now goes to Mayor Peter Carlisle’s desk.