With every new year comes a new set of laws, some of which are destined to, in the words of the great Arsenio Hall, make you go “hmmm…” One of the latest is a new regulation in Illinois that requires you to show your ID and sign a log if you purchase drain cleaner or other similarly caustic substances.

The law, which was passed after two women were attacked by having drain cleaner poured on them, requires buyers to show a government-issued photo ID. The cashier must also record the buyer’s name address, the date and time of purchase, type, brand and net weight of the product being bought.

If stores don’t comply, there are potentially substantial fines involved, ranging from $150 for the first offense to $500 for the second violation and up to $1,500 for any following offenses.

One Chicago-area hardware store owner tells WBBM Radio that customers are not thrilled about the new regulation: “One of the customers actually threatened the (cashier) and threatened to throw the acid on her.”

The store owner says he tried to contact his local state rep to complain about the law, only to be told that the lawmaker didn’t know about the new regulations.

The folks at the Jewel-Osco chain of stores tells WBBM they have removed any items that fall under the umbrella of the new law.

New Law Requires Photo ID To Buy Drain Cleaner [CBSlocal.com]

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