Release #100-97

Contact: Colleen Roche (212) 788-2958, Dwight Williams (212) 788-2972,
Shonna Keogan (212) 487-4283 (DCA)

"Every year, thousands of box cutters are confiscated from students in New York City schools. They have become the 'weapon of choice' because they are readily available, relatively affordable and easily concealed," said Mayor Giuliani. "Through enforcement initiatives such as this one, we hope to send a clear message to merchants that box cutters, like any other potential weapons, cannot be sold to minors."

Today's event was held at the Staples store at 217 Broadway in Manhattan, which was last year found to be in violation of the box cutter law. During this latest sweep, this Staples store was found to be in full compliance with the law.

In November, 1996, the Department of Consumer Affairs adopted a rule to subject merchants to stiff fines if they attempt to sell box cutters to minors or if the items are unlawfully displayed. Armed with this new rule, the inspectors taking part in the sweep issued violations for up to $500 per store per violation both for illegal sale and improper display of box cutters.

"The Department of Consumer Affairs is proud to join in the fight to stem the tide of violence among young people who use box cutters as weapons," said Commissioner Maldonado. "The results of our first sweep clearly indicate that strong enforcement is necessary. We intend to set up systematic enforcement initiatives like this so that merchants will realize we take this issue seriously. We will be out there watching to ensure that box cutters are not sold recklessly."

As part of the enforcement, DCA inspectors accompanied by volunteers aged 17 or younger went to stores in all five boroughs that stocked box cutters. The stores were chosen for their proximity to schools. Inspectors checked to see if box cutters were displayed in a way that made them freely accessible to the public. The young volunteer investigators, with written parental permission, then attempted to purchase box cutters. Upon successful completion of the purchases, merchants were issued violations on the grounds that the sale of box cutters to minors is an unconscionable trade practice.

The box cutter violence led to the passage last year of Local Law 80, which makes it a criminal misdemeanor to sell box cutters to minors. Merchants are required by law to request proof of age from young people purchasing box cutters.

"Too many young people are carrying around box cutters, which function just like a knife or any other sharp weapon," Commissioner Midland added. "Our new enforcement efforts will work to make box cutters less readily available and help ensure that our schools and our streets are safer."

To report a store in violation of the box cutter rule, notify the Department of Consumer Affairs at (212) 487-4444.