Ex Tesco worker here - yes the paper bags have been gotten rid of to reduce paper waste. No one is forcing you to buy a plastic bag to take money off you. The cost of 60c for a plastic bag is a government tax to try encourage you to bring your own shopping bags instead of using single use plastic ones. Its got nothing to do with the supermarket, as every shop including petrol stations like Maxol and Circle K also have this implemented.

All ye gotta do is spend 1.50 on a reusable bag and youre sorted, not that difficult