Other age restricted products

Spray paints

It is illegal to sell aerosol spray paints to anyone under the age of 16. The proprietor of the business, as well as the actual seller, may be prosecuted if a sale to an under-age person is made. The penalty for this offence carries a maximum fine of £2,500. However, it is a defence to show that you took all reasonable steps to determine the purchaser's age, that you reasonably believed the purchaser was over the age of sixteen and that you took all reasonable steps to avoid committing the offence.

Aerosol spray paint is often used in acts of graffiti vandalism. Graffiti often creates a run down atmosphere in a community that can lead to more crime being committed. By banning the sale of spray paint to under 16s, the Government hopes that the incidence of graffiti vandalism will be reduced.