Could You Be Breaking The Law On Independence Day?
COLUMBUS, Ohio—Less than a week from now, fireworks will be lighting up the night sky and people will celebrate our nation’s Independence Day. But you may want to do some research before you go to stock up your fireworks supply.
If you’re like Joe Uhl and his 12-year-old son, Michael, you live for July 4; especially those fireworks. “It’s really cool to see them in the night sky,“ says Michael.
They spent their Sunday at Phantom Fireworks in Kirkersville stocking up for the big night. “Some rockets and stuff that makes a big bang. Stuff that goes up high and really shows off,“ says Joe.
They weren’t alone. Anthony Dailey of Columbus was looking for “Little bit of this, little bit of that. Something that’s gonna make some noise.“ Dave Dorsey, another firework enthusiast says, “I like mortar
shells. Kids like them but they can’t touch them. They like the sprinklers and stuff like that.“
Unemployment may be high, and the economy may be sluggish, but Thomas Bigham, Assistant Manager of Phantom Fireworks says business isn’t just fine, it’s great. “We haven’t seen a decrease in sales and we’re hoping the 4th is booming again.“
But just because fireworks are sold in Ohio, it doesn’t mean they’re all legal to set off here. Sparklers and smoke bombs are fine, but bottle rockets and larger rockets are illegal. If you do buy fireworks that are illegal to set off in Ohio, you’ll have to sign a form in which you promise to take them out of the state within 48 hours. Those breaking the law can face six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.
But most importantly, regardless of how small or how big of firework your setting off, officials say practice safety.
To see a list of the fireworks that are legal and illegal to set off in Ohio, visit http://www.com.ohio.gov/fire/docs/Fireworksfactsheet09_000.pdf.
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Reader Reactions
It is not legal to set off most fireworks in Ohio but it is legal to buy such fireworks in Ohio if you say (wink) you are taking them out of state. I mention this just in case you need additional proof that our Ohio legislature is stupid - but they are the best legislature money can buy and that happens day in and day out.
Fireworks are legal to SELL in Ohio because they are taxed.
It’s all about the sales tax. The sale of fireworks will never be prohibited.
I’ll be lighting off fireworks. fixfireleo, if you smoke pot you should be arrested on a charge of aggravated stupidity
Beer,lighters and fireworks? The news business is about to pick up!
Try living in Grovetucky. The Bubbas down here don’t even wait till the 3rd of July and we have heard fireworks the past week. They get w few beers in them and then grab fireworks and lighters. One of the smartest combinations for these guys.
Bottle rockets still hot landing in dry grass and on peoples roofs. Ohio has passed tons of laws yet to to allow the sale of fireworks in the state and have you sign a worthless statement that you are taking them out of Ohio.
How dumb is that ????????????????????
Yup, more laws we dont have time or resources to enforce. right up there with the loud car stereo law.
kin…try living by the fairgrounds. not only do you get the neighbourhood hoodlums setting off fireworks and gunshot during the 4th of july but all durring the state fair, they shoot off fireworks every night!
In my neighborhood, the fireworks start two weeks before the 4th and go all month long. I’m patriotic, but please, don’t set off illegal fireworks at midnight on a weekday!
It keeps families up all night and scares the poor animals. Have some respect for your neighbors. Let’s just watch the community fireworks and have safe, legal fun.
I’m way more concerned about all the bullets that will be falling back to earth all over Columbus. Idiots shooting into the air have put holes in the roof of our camper, and broken the windshield on a car in our driveway. Buy a box of blanks and make noise with them, leave the live rounds for those of us who pay attention to safe firearm handling rules.
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