SPRAY-PAINT DEVICE

Seeking to reduce graffiti vandalism, the Los Angeles City Council voted to support a proposed state bill that would ban the sale of spray paint cans unless they are equipped with a device that requires electricity to operate.

The bill--expected to meet fierce resistance from paint companies--would require that a one-inch-tall cylinder be added to the bottom of the can, which would have to be plugged into an electrical outlet in order for the can to work. In theory, this would reduce the mobility of spray paint cans.

Several council members were initially against the proposal, saying it would make it difficult for law-abiding citizens to use a convenient product. After seeing the rather simple device, designed by inventor Steve Bierend using what he called “very simple technology,” the council voted unanimously to support the bill.