SOUTHAMPTON, N.Y. — A Long Island village has passed a measure prohibiting retailers from using non-biodegradable bags.

The Southampton Village board voted 5-0 for the ban.

Merchants have six months to start using paper or reusable bags.

Violators face a $1,000 fine and up to 14 days in jail.

The nonprofit Citizens Campaign for the Environment says Southampton is the first New York state municipality to implement a ban on plastic bags. It says a similar ban exists in Westport, Conn.

The village said plastic bags pose a danger to marine and avian life and frequently are found littering public places.