City Council May Require License for Etching Acid

The City Council is considering a bill that would require people to apply for a license from the city's Consumer Affairs Department to purchase etching acid, commonly used in graffiti.

Licenses only would be issued to adults over the age of 21 who have no prior convictions for graffiti offenses.

Anyone possessing etching acid without a license could face a fine of $250 and up to 15 days in prison under the bill, sponsored by Council Member Peter Vallone Jr. of Queens.

Selling etching acid to unlicensed purchases could lead to a $500 fine and up to three months in prison.

This summer, the council addressed the issue by passing a bill requiring that spray paint, broad tipped markers, and etching acid, all of which are used in graffiti, be carried in a locked container by anyone under the age of 21.