Graffiti target of paint sale ban plan
UPDATED: 2006-10-13 02:00:21 MST


By SHAWN LOGAN, CALGARY SUN


Brazen graffiti artists tagging city streets should be denied the tools they use to do their illicit deeds, a Calgary alderman says.

Ald. Craig Burrows will call on council Monday to back his plan to clamp down on who he believes are the primary culprits vandalizing public spaces by calling on city businesses to deny the sale of spray paint to anyone under 18.

"We need to work with retailers because they're part of the problem and they should be part of the solution," he said.

"I'd like to see them remove aerosol cans (from store shelves) and put them behind the counter so only people 18 or older can buy it."

He said the city is paying millions every year to clean up graffiti, including a $200,000 bill to touch up Shaw Millennium Park, a popular target for taggers.

Burrows said it's too early in the process to consider a bylaw, but he wants to talk to retailers who sell spray paint and other items used for graffiti to find answers to the growing problem.

He said he would consider pursuing a bylaw if businesses don't buy into the plan.