Lock on the bag: a Hungarian shop photo goes viral, while plastic bags are already being phased out in several markets

By: Trademagazin Date: 2026. 01. 07. 10:44

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A photo circulating on social media has once again drawn attention to the small but spectacular “loss prevention” solutions that can appear in retail: the photo shows a locked bag loop, and the title of the post is “LIDL, Hungary, 2026”. Some of the commenters wondered if we were really at the point where we had to guard the bags too – the picture quickly became a topic of conversation.

The story was also picked up by Promotions, and speculation immediately began: some said it was a simple “clean-up” (don’t let the ball wander, always have it at hand), while others suspected specific abuse in the background. Several commenters on the Reddit post claimed that there have been cases where customers have tried to take away not just one bag, but the entire roll – however, this remains a user claim, without official confirmation.

However, it is not certain that this “bag guard” era will last: in several markets, the risk of theft is no longer being addressed, but plastic bags are being phased out. In California, starting January 1, 2026, SB 1053 will prohibit retailers from providing any plastic shopping bags – not even the thicker versions previously called “reusable”. At the checkout, paper bags (with a fee) and your own reusable bags will basically remain.