Anti-graffiti crackdown bans spray paint sales to minors

ik - Hmm. good idea. Good thing no one keeps paint and markers in their homes. Phew!

So lemme get this straight, they "saw" 126 people but couldn't catch them, and 25 of 42 people charged were under 18, so now it's illegal for a minor to buy paint and markers. This makes as much policy sense as the Patriot Act. Using the same logic, all Quebecers should be banned from raising money for the Liberal Party. Hmmm, actually, that's not a bad idea....


Last Updated Tue, 02 May 2006 11:38:50 EDT
CBC News

The city of London, Ont., is taking a tough stand on graffiti, banning the sale of markers and spray paint to anyone under the age of 18.

The new bylaw, which was passed on Monday, is reportedly the first of its kind in the country.

"It took some hard work, but we're the first in Canada to do this and I think it's great," said Coun. Bernie MacDonald, who spearheaded the graffiti bylaw.

Police records show that in the last two years in the city, 25 of 42 people arrested for making graffiti were under 18.

As well, 126 people were seen but not caught. And, of them, 92 were minors.

With the bylaw passed, signs will soon be posted in the city warning young people that they need a parent or guardian to buy certain art supplies. MacDonald said the city will try to provide outlets for minors to express themselves creatively and artistically.

But other city councillors say they are worried the new bylaw will leave London open to legal challenges.

"It's ludicrous," Coun. David Winninger told a council meeting on Monday. "It's offensive to the Charter of Rights. It's not reasonable that it can be justified in a free and democratic society."