Store bosses fear Star Wars toy could be mistaken for firearm

Dec 14 2008 By Nick McCarthy

TROUBLED shop bosses are banning the sale of a plastic Star Wars lightsaber to anybody under the age of 18 because they think it could be mistaken for a gun.

The extendable toy, aimed at children aged six and above, is modelled on the weapon made famous in the battle scenes between Luke Skywalker and Darth Vader in the classic Star Wars films.

But troubled retailer Woolworths is restricting the sale of the £24.99 Christmas favourite at its stores across the Midlands in case it gets into the wrong hands.

The company, which is in the midst of a massive closing down sale, will not allow anyone under the age of 18 to buy the bright blue, plastic toy.

An expert on the rules governing the sale of imitation firearms said the company was “going over the top” by banning the toy.

Brandon Cook, who specialises in restricted sales issues with the Trading Standards Institute, said: “Some companies are going the whole hog and are