Jim Fouts, mayor of Warren, Michigan, has proposed a ban on flamethrowers.
Chris Byars, seen above, is CEO of Detroit-area flamethrower firm Ion Productions Team. He says that to automatically assume people will do stupid things with his company's products is "insulting and discriminatory."
From the AP:
"You know something like this will be used by bad people for bad things," Fouts said, adding that he thought it was "unthinkable" such a device would be sold to the general public.
The ordinance would provide an exemption for law enforcement officers, employees or members of the Armed Forces, firefighters or local, state or federal government officials who are on duty and acting within the scope of his or her employment. Other violators would face a misdemeanor charge that's punishable by up to 90 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Council members are seeking further clarification on what would constitute as a flamethrower under the proposal.
