Whittier : Law Would Ban Spray Paint From Many Public Places
The City Council has given tentative approval to an ordinance that would ban the possession of spray paint and wide-tip markers in parks, playgrounds, swimming pools, city buildings and areas such as bridge abutments or storm drains.
Similar ordinances in the county and nearby cities prohibit only juveniles from having these materials. The Whittier ban would apply to adults, too.
The ordinance also would require merchants to lock up spray paint and wide-tip markers to frustrate shoplifters. Vendors who do not comply could face up to six months in jail and a $500 fine.
City Council members first reviewed the proposed ordinance last week. They passed the ordinance unanimously at Tuesday’s meeting. The only change was the addition of a regulation prohibiting the possession of spray paint on or near school property.
The ordinance must pass a second reading before it becomes law.
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