Rep. Marcello introduces bill enabling municipalities to regulate the sale of fireworks

STATE HOUSE – Rep. Michael J. Marcello (D-Dist. 41, Scituate, Cranston) has
introduced legislation (2016-H
7656)
that would authorize cities and towns to regulate, by local ordinance, the sale of
fireworks within their municipal boundaries.
«Since the state legalized the sale of fireworks several years ago, there has been
confusion at the municipal level as to what local licenses, if any, are needed to
regulate them in each community,» Marcello said.
The legislation enables municipalities to adopt an ordinance to create a firework
license in each City or Town by which the municipalities can regulate the time,
place and manner of their sale.
«Around July 4th of every year, national and local vendors with tents appear in
almost every City and Town peddling fireworks, and this legislation would give
municipalities the clear authority to regulate their sale through a special
license,» Marcello said.
«While it would not stop the explosive sounds of fireworks ringing through night, it
will allow our municipalities some element of control and give them clear authority
to set appropriate fee as well as location where such sales could occur.» Marcello
said.
Under the proposed legislation, municipalities could charge up to $1,000 for the
license.