Edmonton bans sale of bear spray to minors due to excess use as a weapon
A new Edmonton bylaw bans businesses from selling bear spray to minors after a report from the city’s police force called it one of the most common improvised weapons used on the street.
The bylaw passed with unanimous support from City Council on Wednesday.
The new bylaw will include a licensing regime and requirements to track transaction records to ensure the new regulations. Adults will also be responsible from keeping purchased canisters out of reach from minors.
Businesses caught selling to minors will receive a $2,000 fine for a first offence.
Businesses that fail to record transactions or provide adequate product security and a city-approved purchaser guide will receive a $1,000 fine for a first offence.
All fines will double for subsequent offences.