EFFINGHAM, Ill. (AP) - The Effingham County Board is considering allowing people to buy fireworks such as firecrackers and bottle rockets, going against a statewide pyrotechnics ban.
The (Decatur) Herald and Review (https://bit.ly/1yk7mmd ) reports Illinois law bans nearly all fireworks, with the exception of novelties. But municipalities can enact their own permit regulations for pyrotechnics. The county board sees that as an opening for the ordinance, which would allow adults to purchase Class C fireworks.
Effingham County Board vice chairman David Campbell said the ordinance could be a legal gray area, but that county leaders want to bring in business that might otherwise go to neighboring states. Iowa is the sole neighbor of Illinois that doesn’t allow public sales of fireworks.
“Instead of giving the revenue to Indiana, we’d rather keep it here,” Campbell said.
Fire and health officials oppose the proposed ordinance, saying there would be an increase in injuries and taxpayer costs for first responders and Medicaid.
“Regardless of what age requirement you put in there, the kids have access to them,” said Margaret Vaughn, director of the Illinois Rural Health Association. “These fireworks belong in the hands of trained professionals and not the public.”
Campbell said there’s interest from people interested in selling fireworks, and that public feedback has been positive so far.
“Really, the only opposition is the fire departments and health department, and I do understand the concerns, and I think it’s wise to bring that out in front of the public,” Campbell said.
The ordinance could go to a full board vote April 20 after being considered by the county legislative committee Monday.
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Information from: Herald & Review, https://www.herald-review.com
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