Fireworks continue to be a topic of discussion in many municipalities.
The state law legalizing the sale and use of many previously illegal fireworks goes into effect Jan. 1 and it allows towns and cities to address the issue at a local level. Portland, Scarborough and Old Orchard Beach officials are among those discussing local ordinances.
Scarborough Town Council discussed the sale and use of fireworks within the town Wednesday night, Town Manager Tom Hall said. He said this discussion comes in advance of Monday’s ordinance committee meeting scheduled for 4:30 p.m.
“There doesn’t appear to be an interest in outright banning either use or sale,” Hall said.
But based on last night’s discussion, he said there does appear to be interest in regulating the use and sale on some level within the town.
Hall said the council focused their discussion on noise complaints that could result from people using fireworks and safety concerns for any facility where a business may sell fireworks.
There have been at least three inquiries from businesses interested in selling fireworks in Scarborough, Hall said.
While the town currently requires buildings larger than 6,000 square feet to be equipped with a sprinkler system, he anticipates councilors may require buildings where fireworks are sold, regardless of size, to have a sprinkler system due to fire hazards. As far as addressing noise concerns, Hall is unsure what approach the council will take.
In Portland, officials are considering a complete ban on the sale and use of fireworks, spokeswoman Nicole Clegg said. The council had a first reading of a draft ordinance Wednesday night, which includes fines for anyone who sells, possesses or uses fireworks. Clegg said fines range from $200 to $400 for those who possess or use fireworks and $500 for someone who sells fireworks in Portland.
A second reading of the ordinance is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 19. Clegg said public comment will be accepted at that meeting and the council could decide to accept the ordinance at that time.
A discussion of fireworks sales and use is also on the agenda for the Old Orchard Beach Town Council. The council workshop is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday.
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