TRADING standards officers have outlined new laws on the sale of aerosol spray paint in a bid to reduce graffiti.
The Durham County Council officers are to contact retailers to make sure they know that it is an offence under the Anti- Social Behaviour Act 2003 to sell the paint to under-16s.
Offences are punishable by a fine of up to £2,500.
Phillip Holman, the county council's head of trading standards, said: "As well as advising retailers of their responsibilities, we will be seeking to make test purchases in the future and will take court action, if necessary, to ensure the rules are adhered to."
Traders wanting advice about the regulations can contact trading standards on 0191-383 3729.
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