Contact: Colleen Roche/Jennifer Chait (212) 788-2958
"The laser light produced by a child's toy, or any laser pointing device in general, is virtually indistinguishable from the laser light produced by gun sights," Mayor Giuliani said. "In order to prevent a potentially fatal accident, we can no longer allow the unregulated sale of these laser pointers. Today, there are thousands of these devices sold each year in New York City, and the misuse laser pointers in the undue harassment of the public and creates a threat to the public's safety. Undercover police officers have been 'dotted' by individuals using these devices, and have justifiably feared for their own safety, as well as for the safety of those around them.
"This legislation creates a reasonable framework to ensure that businesses do not sell laser pointers to minors, and that children do not engage in activities that could result in a fatality," the Mayor concluded.
Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jules Polonetsky said, "This bill allows the Department of Consumer Affairs to prevent children from getting their hands on this potentially dangerous item at the point of purchase. Our initiatives enforcing the ban on the sale of box cutters and spray paint to kids have helped the Giuliani Administration improve the quality of life in New York City. The Department of Consumer Affairs will work with the Police Department and the Board of Education to ensure that this bill will have the same positive effect."
The Mayor's legislation prohibits the selling or giving of a laser pointer to anyone under the age of 21 years-old, and prohibits anyone under the age of 21 years-old from directing a laser light into a public place. The bill also prohibits sellers of laser pointers from openly displaying laser pointers, except under limited circumstances.
In addition, the proposal prohibits the possession of a laser pointer on school grounds by anyone under the age of 22 years-old. However, the bill does allow for the use of laser pointers on school grounds and in public places for valid instructional use, or during travel time to and from work. Finally, the proposal provides the Department of Consumer Affairs with the power to impose civil penalties against sellers who violate the bill's provisions.