Senators Cracking Down on Novelty Lighters
Alexander: “These lighters entice children to play with fire.”
Columbia, SC – May 6, 2009 – South Carolina’s State Senators today began moving legislation through the General Assembly that will keep novelty lighters out of the hands of children by making it illegal for stores to sell them. The bill’s author and subcommittee members believe the lighters are marketed to appeal to children.
During the hearing, committee members displayed several lighters that looked like toys. Senator Jake Knotts (R-Lexington), bill co-sponsor and subcommittee Chairman, showed lighters built like a toy gun, a pickup truck, a racecar, a NASCAR helmet, a purse, and a ladybug covered in blinking lights.
The most disturbing lighter looked like a little toy camera. Senator Thomas Alexander (R-Oconee), the bill’s primary sponsor, held the lighter up to his eye like he would a normal camera. When he pressed the camera button, fire shot up from the top. Had Senator Alexander not held the camera inches away from his eye, the fire would have scorched his eye and forehead.
Alexander commented, “This lighter is obviously marketed to entice children to play with fire. Just look at this camera. It would cause serious harm to a child.”
Holding a little toy pickup truck lighter, Senator Knotts said “I have a real problem marketing these lighters to kids. Who else would this little blue truck be made for?”
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