Little Rock Bans Novelty Lighters

LITTLE ROCK – Arkansas Governor Mike Beebe signed a bill Tuesday that bans the sale and distribution of “novelty” lighters which resemble cartoon characters, toys or other items which might appeal to children.

The new measure sets a fine of $25 to $500 for retailers selling the lighters.

Senator Sharon Trusty, who crafted the bill, said it comes in response to the deaths of two young boys in her district who were killed in an apartment fire caused by a motorcycle-shaped lighter one of the boys was playing with, according to a report by Arkansasnews.com.

Little Rock joins the list of 20 cities in Arkansas where the items are banned, along with other states such as Maine, California and Washington. The United Kingdom and several European countries have also prohibited the products.
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