SASKATOON — A Saskatoon business has been fined $7,000 after being convicted of unlawfully selling bear spray and failing to record the information of the buyer. The total fine, which includes a $2,000 victim surcharge, is $1,500 for unlawfully selling the bear spray and $3,500 for failing to record the buyer’s information.
The decision, made in Saskatoon Bylaw Court on June 30, was the first fine issued by the court under the city’s updated Business Licence Bylaw. Earlier this year, with help from officials in the City Community Standards Department, the Saskatoon Police Service accused a business operating in the 500 block of 20th Street, West of breaking the bylaw.
“One of the primary goals of the bylaw changes is deterrence,” said Mark Wilson, City of Saskatoon licensing and permitting manager. “Since city council made the amendments to the bylaw, we’ve subsequently heard from multiple retailers who have decided to stop selling bear spray.”
City council passed the amendments a year ago. They require a purchaser to be at least 18-years-old and provide two pieces of government-issued identification. The name, ID number, date of birth and address of the purchaser must be recorded by the business and made available to the city.
The bear spray must be stored in a secure area, out of view of customers and only products containing the manufacturer’s serial number may be sold.
“Businesses that choose to sell bear spray have a responsibility to do so in accordance with the amendments to the Business License Bylaw," said Doug McNeil, inspector in charge of the Saskatoon Police Service Community Engagement Division. "When violations are identified, enforcement helps maintain the integrity of those regulations and supports the collective efforts of police, the city, retailers and the community.
“We support measures that promote responsible sales and help reduce opportunities for misuse," added McNeil. "Compliance with the bylaw is an important part of a broader community effort to improve public safety.”
Wildlife control products, commonly referred to as bear spray, are designed to repel wildlife through spraying pressurized liquid containing oil made from hot peppers. It causes burning eyes, strained breathing as well as nasal and throat irritation.
The product is not intended for use on humans or in an urban setting, said the City of Saskatoon, adding that police officers and city officials have engaged business managers to ensure they understand the bylaw requirements which have received wide support.
