Tecumseh city council OKs ordinance against selling spray paint to minors

On ongoing problem with graffiti has prompted Tecumseh city officials to step up and take action, and step one is stepping between the violators and their sources of materials.
Tecumseh police officer Dee VanDuser spoke with Tecumseh City Council members Monday, and showed photographs of the city’s graffiti problem. VanDuser, the Tecumseh Police Department’s youth resource officer, works with youth and teenagers found in violation of laws.
Council members unanimously adopted an ordinance Monday that will amend the city’s code to establish offenses for selling spray paint to minors. The ordinance makes it unlawful for minors:
• To possess spray paint containers or broad-tipped markers on public property unless accompanied by a parent or guardian; or
• To possess spray paint containers or broad-tipped markers on private property without the consent of the person controlling the property.
Any business or person selling or offering for sale any spray paint must receive evidence that potential buyers are not minors.
Within the ordinance is the requirement that all businesses that sell such products much post signs that read “spray paint shall not be sold to minors.” VanDuser said businesses will be notified of this, and that they will “have to get on board” with posting signs.
According to the ordinance, the penalty for selling aerosol spray paint to minors is 60 days in jail or a $500 fine, or both.
Minors found in possession of spray paint or broad-tipped markers will be subject to fines and community service, as well as counseling.
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Jason Smith may be reached at 214-3932 or william.j.smith@news-star.com.