New York City lawmakers are considering a bill that would make it illegal to buy a fake Rolex watch or Prada handbag from a street vendor.
A City Council hearing has started on the legislation. If it passes, buyers of counterfeit goods could be jailed for up to one year or fined $1,000.
City Councilman Peter Vallone Jr. said Thursday that a year in jail “seems a little tough” for buying fake goods, said AP. He says buying a counterfeit item should be a violation, not a misdemeanor.
But Councilwoman Margaret Chin says nothing done so far has worked to curb the selling of fakes. Chin is the sponsor of the bill.
