Novelty Cigarette Lighter Law Targets Toy-Like Devices
CHICAGO Recent spot checks of Illinois retailers by the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal (OSFM) found that many were still selling banned novelty cigarette lighters, which were outlawed last year in a law signed by Governor Pat Quinn.
As a result, OSFM recently issued a directive to the states fire departments, professional fire organizations, and municipalities to step up enforcement in their communities to ensure that any toy-like devices are removed from store shelves.
It comes down to public safety, said State Fire Marshal Larry Matkaitis. Our concern is that children may be attracted to an adults lighter that may have flashing lights and musical sounds when used. Some of the banned lighters look like small toys, such as animals, boats, cars, cell phones and guns.
The law may be enforced by any county or municipal law enforcement officer, or by any code enforcement officer of a municipality or fire protection district. The law makes the sale of a novelty lighter a petty offense with a fine of up to $500.
Consumers are urged to contact OSFM by filing a complaint if they witness the availability of novelty lighters. A complaint form is available for download from OSFM s website. For more information, please visit www.state.il.us/osfm or www.nfpa.org.
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