Published: August 19, 2008 11:36 pm      

City ordinance will ban novelty lighters

The Meridian City Council passed an ordinance Monday banning sale or gift of novelty lighters within the city limits.

The ordinance was proposed by Fire Chief Jeff Homan, who believes the lighters, which often greatly resemble toys, are a fire hazard.

"If you can keep one child from getting burnt, it's worth it," Homan said when he addressed the council Monday.

Homan and Fire Prevention Specialist Ginger Hand brought to the council meeting an array of lighters that could easily be mistaken for toys. The lighters were shaped like animals and musical instruments. Hand said she could easily see herself mistakenly throwing one of the lighters into her child's toy box, or even buying one with the belief that it was a toy.

"You're not taking away lighters for cigarettes," Hand said. "You're just taking away a deadly foe."

Council members Barbara Henson (Ward 3), Mary A.B. Perry (Ward 2 and council president) and John Harris (Ward 5) voted for the ordinance. Jesse E. Palmer, Sr. (Ward 4) was not present.

George Thomas, who represents Ward 1, voted against the ordinance, saying he felt it conflicted with his opposition of big government. "I don't think it's government's job to be a parent," he said.

Mayor John Robert Smith expressed to Thomas his support for the ordinance, saying, "Generally I agree with you... But in this case we're dealing with lighters that are made to look like something other than lighters."

The ordinance will ban the sale or gift of lighters with flashing lights and lighters of various shapes, including the shapes of animals and cartoon characters. It will go into effect in 60 days and will carry a $150 fine.