London first city in Canada to ban sale of markers and spray paint to minors

Submitted by Jeremy M on May 3, 2006 - 5:55am.

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London has a new by-law banning the sale of markers and spray paint to minors. The ban is an attempt to curb graffiti, which according to some city councillors and downtown merchants is a major problem. Some cities in the U.S. already have bans, but London is the first in Canada.

During the debate, David Winninger and Russ Montieth argued that the ban discriminates against young people and could leave the city open to legal challenges under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

I for one am willing to purchase markers or spray paint for any young person, regardless of their intentions. That said, I'm not a fan of the people scribbling their pseudonym in as many places as they can. "Big ups" is actually more like dogs marking trees to me. And whoever Ruse is, why did you paint over one of the oldest murals in the city (in the parking lot on Richmond across from the Royal Bank building)? Painting over other people's art is low and disrespectful, except perhaps in the case of the ubiquitous Captain Ron. Some of that has got to go.

More info in the London Free Press article.

Jeremy

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I don't see anything wrong

Submitted by Geoff Bardwell on May 3, 2006 - 5:02pm.

I don't see anything wrong with painting over someone else's work. I mean if it is your property or you were paid to do it, I can see your point; however, if someone is doing something illegal, I think any wall is fair game. And I agree with you on the Cpt. Ron bit there, I would rather see someone's name written on the wall than that horrid crap!

they should...

Submitted by Trev McNaughton (not verified) on May 3, 2006 - 8:11pm.

they should ban markers, and paint, and also playdough, crayons, safety scissors, brushes, string, felt, craft glue, construction paper... those goddamned kids and their creative release or artistic talent.. they should all get jobs! ..

*disclaimer - this post is 100% sarcastic, except the part about playdough, something that tasty has to be monitored.

downtown graffiti

Submitted by Justin on May 3, 2006 - 10:48pm.

Has anyone been downtown lately? Why do you think there's three 'urban' clothing stores and three pawn shops within a four block radius? The place is a goddamned hip-hop leper colony.

Ruse painted over the oldest mural because he's an idiot just like most taggers in this city. They go hand-in-hand with the collection of the world's worst drug dealers at D + R. Do you expect these guys to muster up a coherent defense of graffiti? Do you think they've even thought about it for one second? It's much easier to burn one in the park and go skateboarding than it is to be the least bit introspective, or do any research of any kind.

Look, there's no reason that this ban will stand anyhow, it'll fall flat on its face the first time it's challenged in terms of the Charter of Rights. I mean, you don't have to be that smart to out-argue someone like MacDonald or Caranci. I'm surprised Caranci can even walk upright.

I'm just saying I don't see a horse to back in this race. There's no winner. Don't even worry about it. It's just another sad display of the soul-crushing incompetence and backward-thinking of this city, and further evidence that it will never escape its ultimate designation as a wealthy shithole.