New Myrtle Beach ordinance means restrictions on lasers

MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) – The Myrtle Beach City Council passed an ordinance Tuesday that places restrictions on the sale and use of laser pointers within city limits. The decision comes after dozens of complaints concerning the powerful and popular green lasers, whose sales took off during the summer.

"For some reason, they were a hot item," says city spokesperson Mark Kruea. "We saw a number of complaints this summer."

Under the new ordinance, which is effective immediately, minors are not allowed to purchase any laser pointer without parental supervision and permission, of if they can show the laser will be used for school purposes.

Shops along Ocean Boulevard say they'll comply with the new regulations set forth by the city, but don't think the new laws will hamper laser sales.

"Most kids' parents buy them," says Scott Morrison, who works at the Oceanware Beach Shop. Morrison also says a majority of green laser sales were to people over the age of eighteen.

But minors who are caught improperly using a laser pointer can face some stiff punishments. Using a laser to harass an individual or distract a driver is a misdemeanor offense, and can be punishable by a $500 fine or even thirty days in jail.

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