Local-laws manager Alan Giachin said businesses needed to ensure paint cans were stored away from direct customer access, restricting the ability for people under 18 to buy them.

He said anyone selling spray paint cans faced a fine of up to $2202 or an on-the-spot fine of $227 by officers conducting random checks.

"Retailers have accepted the changes and many have gone out of their way to ensure cans can still be seen by customers but are locked away to prevent minors taking them off the shelves."

Since July, proof of ID has been required to buy spray cans and those under 18 years must prove paint cans are for work purposes.

Mr Giachin said the council was committed to community safety and worked closely with police to report and remove graffiti. Incidents are recorded for police before removal.