Monterey Park : Spray Paint Rules Tightened

In an effort to cut down on graffiti, store owners will be required to keep spray paint under lock and key.

The City Council on Tuesday tentatively approved an ordinance requiring businesses to store spray paint cans in a locked display cabinet or similar device designed to prevent minors from taking cans of paint off the shelves.

State law prohibits sales of spray paint to minors, but Monterey Park Police Capt. Jim Strait said youths often shoplift paint cans, and sales clerks often do not check the age of buyers of the paint.