New state and local rules curbing the use of fireworks are not expected to affect the sales of fireworks in Michigan.
Many Michiganders complained last year after a new state law allowed the sale of bigger and louder fireworks in the state. Elected officials responded with new restrictions on when fireworks can be used this year.
Are the new laws affecting fireworks sales? Apparently not.
“The retailers that I’ve spoken with …say things are off to a really good start,” says Julie Heckman, the executive director of the American Pyrotechnics Association.
It’s not clear how big the fireworks business is in Michigan.
More than 700 businesses have permits to sell consumer grade fireworks in Michigan, mostly from roadside tents.
In 2012, the state of Michigan collected one point three million dollars from a ‘safety fee’ tacked on to the sale of some, but not all, fireworks.
As for new laws restricting when people can light fireworks, Heckman sees nothing wrong with laws barring the lighting of fireworks after midnight.
“I would hope that people would use some common sense in their practice with regards to celebrating with fireworks,” says Heckman.
