NEW LAWS TO REDUCE GRAFFITI IN QUEENSLAND: SPENCE
Published Wednesday, 01 August, 2007 at 10:55 AM
Minister for Police and Corrective Services
The Honourable Judy Spence
People under the age of 18 will no longer be able to purchase spray paint, under tough new anti-graffiti laws coming into effect next month.
Police Minister Judy Spence said the amendments to the Summary Offences Act 2005 aim to reduce the prevalence of graffiti in Queensland, as well as protecting young people from exposure to harmful chroming (paint sniffing).
“Graffiti is an eyesore in our community and unfortunately it is young people who typically participate in this activity,” Ms Spence said.
“Spray paint is usually their weapon of choice and it costs our community millions of dollars a year.
“The primary purpose of the new laws is to prohibit the public sale of spray paint in aerosol spray cans to minors.
“By preventing the initial sale to underage buyers, we hope to prevent the further spread of graffiti in our cities and towns.
“These laws will also help reduce the deadly practice among some young people of inhaling chrome based spray paint, known as chroming.
“This dangerous activity can cause heart failure, liver and kidney damage, central nervous system damage, memory loss, hearing loss and even death.”
Ms Spence said under the new laws, shop owners and their employees will be required to request proof of age before selling spray paint to a person, unless satisfied the buyer is an adult.
“Employers will be required to instruct their staff not to sell spray paint to minors under any circumstances, even if the sale is claimed to be for an adult,” Ms Spence said.
“Employers found to be selling spray paint to minors face a penalty of $10,500 for a first offence, $21,000 for a second and for a third offence $31,500.
“This mirrors the same tough penalties that currently apply to anyone who sells tobacco to people under 18.
“The individual employee responsible for the sale can also be fined up to $3,000.”
Ms Spence said police will also have the power to stop, detain and search persons and vehicles and seize property that may be evidence of the unlawful sale of spray paint cans to minors, and the unlawful possession of spray paint cans by anyone under 18 in a public place.
“Employers also face tough fines for failing to inform their staff about the new laws,” Ms Spence said.
“Businesses that sell spray paint will be required to display a prohibition sign explaining the new laws, at each point of sale in their shop.
“The prohibition posters can be down-loaded free of charge from the Queensland Police Service website, for printing and display from Monday, 3 September 2007,” Ms Spence said.
“Information sheets about the new laws are also available on the website, for businesses to download.
“Companies play a key role in the provision of spray paint to minors. These new laws are about working with employers and their staff to combat graffiti and chroming in Queensland.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287
Police Minister Judy Spence said the amendments to the Summary Offences Act 2005 aim to reduce the prevalence of graffiti in Queensland, as well as protecting young people from exposure to harmful chroming (paint sniffing).
“Graffiti is an eyesore in our community and unfortunately it is young people who typically participate in this activity,” Ms Spence said.
“Spray paint is usually their weapon of choice and it costs our community millions of dollars a year.
“The primary purpose of the new laws is to prohibit the public sale of spray paint in aerosol spray cans to minors.
“By preventing the initial sale to underage buyers, we hope to prevent the further spread of graffiti in our cities and towns.
“These laws will also help reduce the deadly practice among some young people of inhaling chrome based spray paint, known as chroming.
“This dangerous activity can cause heart failure, liver and kidney damage, central nervous system damage, memory loss, hearing loss and even death.”
Ms Spence said under the new laws, shop owners and their employees will be required to request proof of age before selling spray paint to a person, unless satisfied the buyer is an adult.
“Employers will be required to instruct their staff not to sell spray paint to minors under any circumstances, even if the sale is claimed to be for an adult,” Ms Spence said.
“Employers found to be selling spray paint to minors face a penalty of $10,500 for a first offence, $21,000 for a second and for a third offence $31,500.
“This mirrors the same tough penalties that currently apply to anyone who sells tobacco to people under 18.
“The individual employee responsible for the sale can also be fined up to $3,000.”
Ms Spence said police will also have the power to stop, detain and search persons and vehicles and seize property that may be evidence of the unlawful sale of spray paint cans to minors, and the unlawful possession of spray paint cans by anyone under 18 in a public place.
“Employers also face tough fines for failing to inform their staff about the new laws,” Ms Spence said.
“Businesses that sell spray paint will be required to display a prohibition sign explaining the new laws, at each point of sale in their shop.
“The prohibition posters can be down-loaded free of charge from the Queensland Police Service website, for printing and display from Monday, 3 September 2007,” Ms Spence said.
“Information sheets about the new laws are also available on the website, for businesses to download.
“Companies play a key role in the provision of spray paint to minors. These new laws are about working with employers and their staff to combat graffiti and chroming in Queensland.”
Media Contact: Troy Davies – 3239 6218/ 0439 673 287