Not A Joke ::: NYC Admin Announce Tougher Penalties on Toy Gun Sales

Okay, okay... of course it's a joke. But not intentionally, I presume.

THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NEW YORK

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS City Hall New York, NY 10007 Release #122-2009 Speaker Quinn, Council Members and Administration Announce Tougher Penalties on Toy Gun Sales Stores Would Face Up to $5,000 for a first-time violation City Also Launches Public Awareness Campaign About the Dangers of Toy Guns That Look Real and Real Guns That Look Like Toys City Hall – Speaker Christine C Quinn, together with Council Member Al Vann, today announced legislation that would increase penalties for selling a toy gun by 500 percent. The legislation would also enhance the Department of Consumer Affairs’ enforcement ability and allow the agency to shut stores that are repeat offenders of the law. Department of Consumer Affairs (DCA) Commissioner Jonathan Mintz and Criminal Justice Coordinator John Feinblatt joined the Speaker and Council Members at the announcement. The officials also announced a new citywide public awareness campaign about the dangers of toy guns that look real and real guns that look like toys. Download a copy of the Public Awareness Campaign ad (pdf) “Despite the fact that New York City’s toy and imitation gun law has been in existence for several years many merchants continue to sell items that resemble real guns,” said Council Speaker Quinn. “Our communities are at risk when they cannot tell a fake toy gun from a real one and the dangers these items present are all too real. Children have been hurt and even killed as a result of these guns being out in our communities.” The City Council’s Consumer Affairs Committee will hold a hearing on the legislation this afternoon. The proposed bill would increase the fine for a first violation from $1,000 to up to $5,000. It would also increase the fines for subsequent violations within a two year period from $3,000 to up to $8,000. Finally, it would also permit DCA to seal, for up to five days, the premises of a store found guilty of three or more violations within a two year period.

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I guess The Onion can take the day off again today.

Source: New York City Council - Speaker Quinn, Council Members and Administration Announce Tougher Penalties on Toy Gun Sales