A new ban on the sales of single-serving plastic water bottles has taken effect in Concord.

The ban began Tuesday and follows an April vote by Town Meeting, which made historic Concord one of the first communities in the nation to make the bottles illegal.

Stores will be fined up to $50 for violating the ban. An exemption is allowed during emergencies.

The new law was adopted after a three-year campaign by local activists. They pushed a return to tap water, saying banning the bottles will cut down on plastic waste and reduce the use of the fossil fuels used to make the bottles.

Businesses opposed the ban, saying it restricts of freedom of choice and will simply drive bottled water sales out of town.