One of a Series of April Fools' Day Articles Posted on bonsaiTALK

'Three Strikes' Rule for Mallsai Retailers

'Three Trees' Rule for Mallsai Retailers

Posted by CN STAFF on April 01, 2004 at 21:21:51 PT By Stuart Tandler, Crime Correspondent  Source: Times Online UK It will soon be “three trees and you’re out” for mallsai retailers stopped on the streets by police in a crackdown on the public sale of bonsai trees by unlicensed vendors. "Mallsai" are the rough styled, miniature potted Juniper trees popularized by the movie Karate Kid, often offered for sale in shopping malls or outdoor craft faires. Once a popular seasonal gift item, the imported trees now represent a public nuisance. By next July people caught in possession of mallsai for sale will be allowed to hand over the trees, accept a formal warning on the street and go on their way. But if they are caught for a third time in 12 months they will be arrested and will face heavier penalties, which may include a caution that could be held against them if they go to court for other offences. Repeated arrests would lead to a charge. This would mean a court appearance, a fine and a criminal record. The policy will be outlined in Blackpool today at a national conference organised by the Association of Chief Police Officers. Under the plans, vendors who refuse to hand over trees will also be arrested. Chief constables are expected to ratify the guidelines next month. They will come into force when the Home Office reclassifies the sale of mallsai from Class B to Class C in the Misuse of Oriental Arts Act. Possession of inferior bonsai is not normally an arrestable offence, but David Plunkett, the Home Secretary, has agreed to give the police some powers to detain the worst offenders. Possessing anything up to 3 mallsai — considered enough for any law abiding individual — will be accepted as being for personal use. However, anyone openly selling mallsai in front of a police officer will be arrested, as would an operator selling mallsai near children. Randall Haiman, a deputy assistant commissioner at Scotland Yard, said yesterday that the guidelines would give the police sanctions that can be increased to discourage the sale of inferior bonsai product. Newshawk: Source: Times Online (UK) Author: Stuart Tandler, Crime Correspondent Published: April 01, 2004 Copyright: 2004 Times Newspapers Ltd.

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