May 18--Chicago's long-standing ban on the sale of spray paint, an effort to make it tougher for gang members and graffiti artists to tag garages and buildings, would be loosened under a proposal by two aldermen who represent wards on the edges of the city.
Ald. Edward Burke, 14th, said in a news release that he sponsored the city's 1992 spray paint ban but now has decided to join Far Southwest Side Ald. Matthew O'Shea, 19th, in looking at ways to make the ordinance less strict.
O'Shea often complains that retailers in his ward have trouble competing with stores in adjacent suburbs, and he said the new proposal is an effort to level the playing field.
Under the ordinance the two aldermen introduced Wednesday, people over age 18 would be allowed to buy spray paint in Chicago.
Fines for minors caught with spray paint or other "graffiti implements" -- also to include broad-tipped markers and etching equipment -- would be set at $500. Adults caught helping procure graffiti implements for minors would face fines from $500 to $1,500.
The measure will be sent to the License Committee for further consideration.
jebyrne@tribpub.com
