Colorado is tightening restrictions on single-use bags used by businesses, but the new rules that took effect on Jan. 1 will have little impact on many local businesses, which are too small to require compliance.

Starting this month, some businesses will be required to charge customers 10 cents per bag for single-use paper and plastic bags. However, the law signed by Gov. Jared Polis in 2021 excludes “small stores,” defined as those that operate solely in Colorado, aren’t part of a franchis...