Know the by-laws about fireworks
There is a by-law in place that addresses the setting off of fireworks in a residential area
With festive season celebrations coming up, some people are unsure what the law says when it comes to the use of fireworks.
And today is Guy Fawkes.
With more celebrations coming up in the next two months, it is better to familiarise yourself with city’s by-laws to avoid being fined.
There is a by-law in place that addresses the setting off of fireworks in a residential area.
For ease of reference, Section 42 under the heading “Disturbance of the peace” of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Police Services By-laws, promulgated in Provincial Gazette 39, Notice 208 prescribes as follows:
No person shall discharge fireworks without the prior written consent of the Council, and such consent shall hereafter be called a “Fireworks Permit”. Such “Firework Permit” will be readily available at the event and produced on request by an authorised officer. Any person failing to do so shall be guilty of an offence.
Ekurhuleni residents and businesses are advised to also heed by-laws pertaining to the sale and use of fireworks as we head into the festive season.
Business owners who wish to sell fireworks are required to apply for a licence at the SAPS’s Explosives Unit. The application must also be sent to the Metro’s EMS and EMPD. Residents who wish to use fireworks must also apply at the relevant EMPD Precinct Station for permission.
This is to ensure that fireworks are used in a safe manner and will not constitute a fire hazard.
Businesses selling fireworks without a certificate of registration will receive a spot fine of R2 500, with an additional fine for any other fire safety violations found. People using fireworks without approval can also receive a spot fine of between R1 000 and R2 500.
Furthermore, businesses are warned against illegally advertising fireworks on traffic signs and pavements, including deploying people at intersections and pavements to illegally sell these fireworks.
