SC lawmakers want ban on novelty lighters

South Carolina could join other states and cities in banning the sale of toy-like novelty lighters with a bill introduced Wednesday.

Sen. Thomas Alexander, R-Walhalla, held up one of the novelty lighters that looked like a camera close to his face and with a flick, a flame shot above his eyebrows.

“All of these resemble toys and in the hands of a child these toy-like lighters can be deadly,” Alexander said.

The legislation would impose a $500 fine and up to 30 days in jail for convictions.

The measure is part of a national drive by firefighters and safety advocates. Maine became the first state to ban them a year ago and several other states followed. Alexander cited statistics showing a third of the fires children started were caused by lighters and they caused two deaths.

“If somebody wants to sell a little doodle bug or whatever for something or a toy for a kid to play with, that’s fine. Make a water pistol out of it or something that can’t hurt somebody,” Sen. Jake Knotts, R-West Columbia, said.

The Charlotte Observer

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