Whilst a small minority of people might think graffiti is a form of expression, or even art, for most residents of South Ayrshire it is blight on their walls and buildings. Not only is it unsightly but it also costs local taxpayers and businesses to have it cleaned up.

Recent legislation on antisocial behaviour makes it an offence to sell spray paint to a person under the age of 16. South Ayrshire Council’s Trading Standards officers have been conducting some undercover checks to see how easy it is for a young person to buy spray paint. 

A spokesperson from Trading Standards explained, “The young volunteers used for this project were all fourteen and a half years of age – some 18 months under the legal age limit. A limited programme of six premises were visited but the results were disappointing with five making a sale without questioning the age of the person buying the product.” 

“Of the six traders visited, B&Q at Heathfield was the only one where a member of staff at the check out challenged the young person as to their age and consequently refused to sell.  Under the new law traders are also required to display a sign to make it clear that it is illegal to sell spray paint to anyone under the age of sixteen and in this instance only one of the six premises visited had a sign on display. Although businesses have received information from both Trading Standards and the Scottish Government on the new provisions we have decided to deal with this initially by warning those businesses that sold to the young person and to follow up to ensure the message has got through.”

Commenting on the project Councillor Hugh Hunter Convener of the Council’s Community Safety Committee, said, “Although those that use spray paints to deface property are the root of the problem, it is disappointing to see that, with the increased public concern over the blight of graffiti, so many traders sold a product that would add to this problem.  Trading Standards have made it easy for the trade to meet their obligations regarding age related products by providing them with a very comprehensive trader pack that explains what age applies to each regulated product and what proof of age should be requested.  South Ayrshire was also one of the first authorities in Scotland to supply young people with a free proof of age card.”

Councillor Hunter added, “Traders who are in any doubt about the age of the person buying spray paint should ask for a proof of age card such as the Young Scot card.  Our Trading Standards Officers will continue to focus efforts on the sale of age related product to ensure that products like spray paint don’t fall into the wrong hands.”

A spokesperson from Trading Standards advised all traders that are involved in the supply of age related products and who wish advice on the subject, to get in touch with Trading Standards at 5-7 River Terrace, Ayr or by calling the Trading Standards Advice Centre on Ayr 61 60 60.

August 2005