“The final bill before me is Introductory Number 380-A, sponsored by Council Members Vallone, Felder, Fidler, Gentile, Gerson, Koppell, Nelson, Recchia, Sears, Weprin, Foster, Jackson, Oddo, Mitchell, Crowley, and Gennaro. Introductory Number 380-A requires registration for the purchase of etching acid.

“There is a growing etching acid vandalism problem in New York City – most notable in the windows of our subway cars and buses.  Also known as ‘scratchiti,’ etching acid permanently scars these windows, which must be replaced at a cost of approximately $11 million a year.  Introductory Number 380-A requires purchasers of etching acid to show valid photo identification prior to buying the product and requires sellers to keep detailed records of purchasers for one year.  This information is to be provided to the NYPD upon request to assist them in enforcing against graffiti crime.

“Graffiti vandalism is a plague on the aesthetic quality of this City and also presents a significant economic burden by decreasing property values, frustrating business owners, and forcing private citizens and government agencies to spend significant resources restoring vandalized surfaces.  Introductory Number 380-A makes it clear that graffiti – in any form – is not welcome and will not be tolerated in New York City.

“I would like to thank Police Commissioner Ray Kelly, Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz, and their staff, for their work on this bill.  I would also like to thank the Council for approving this legislation.”