Current process could lead to unsafe storage, he says
Jan 27, 2010 - 11:05 AM
By Jennifer Stone
BOWMANVILLE -- Clarington's rules on fireworks mean people could be buying them, then storing them -- possibly unsafely -- for months before they use them, says the owner of a Bowmanville party supply store.
But, council voted Monday to maintain the current rules, and not allow for year-round sales of fireworks.
As it stands, Clarington bylaws stipulate fireworks may only be sold or set off in the five-day period immediately preceding the observance of Victoria Day and Canada Day, and on the actual day of Victoria Day and Canada Day. However, residents can apply for a special occasions fireworks discharge permit, which allows fireworks to be set off outside the allowable time frames.
"They can now apply for that permit," Mike Gazo, of Bowmanville's Perfect Party Place, told councillors last week. "But, to buy them, they either have to buy them during those days and store them in their homes or go outside the municipality."
Other municipalities do allow for year-round sales of fireworks, he said.
While in-home storage may not be up to par, Mr. Gazo said his store is fitted with an appropriate repository for fireworks.
Clarington staff had recommended against altering the bylaw to allow Perfect Party Place to sell fireworks year-round.
"If consumers are purchasing fireworks outside of these allowable times, it may lead to confusion as to the requirements in the bylaw for the specific times of setting off the fireworks," a recent report to Clarington's general purpose and administration committee said.
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