Kids: Hide your spray paint or face the city's wrath

KHOU is reporting today on a proposed tougher graffiti ordinance being considered by City Council. The proposal would not only require businesses to keep graffiti implements — which we're guessing means spray paint, mainly — behind the counter, but would also make it illegal for minors to carry graffiti tools in many areas.

Under the proposed ordinance, it would be illegal for anyone under 17 to carry spray paint, broad-tipped markers, paint sticks and other things they might use to make graffiti on school property, adjacent public property and any private property where they don't have the owner's permission. Houstonist can only imagine the paddy wagons full of cheerleaders who'll be arrested on their school campuses for spray painting spirit signs before football games. Serves 'em right! It would also be unlawful for anyone other than a minor's parent or guardian to supply the minor with graffiti implements, which means businesses couldn't sell such items to minors without consent from a parent, whether it's written or in person. The law would also put pressure on business owners by forcing them to cover their graffiti within 10 days of being notified by the city.

Channel 11 had an advance copy of the ordinance and didn't report on when it might come up for a council vote.