A new law passed in the state of Pennsylvania will allow its residents to enjoy aerial fireworks for the first time.
Titled House Bill 542, the law was passed in October and allows people to buy such fireworks that so far could be bought only by citizens of other states. State residents were previously allowed to only “safe and sane “ fireworks items such as sparklers, or fountains .
State Rep. Rosemary Brown noted that it had been “frustrating” for Pennsylvania residents that they could buy only some kinds of fireworks. With the new law, she added residents can buy Class C fireworks sold to 18 and older population that is currently being sold to only out of state people.
Licence Needed To Sell The Fireworks
Under the law, fireworks stores need to be licensed to sell the aerial fireworks to local residents.
Ken Schuchman who runs three fireworks outlets in the county said that his stores had passed inspection last week and received the first three licenses to be issued under the new law.
Schuchman noted that for the first time people of the state will be able to buy fireworks for Christmas.
Law Passed To Boost Revenues
The law was passed in order to bridge revenue gaps in the state budget. Fireworks sale will attract a 12 percent fireworks tax in addition to the six percent sales tax levied on it. The money is expected to be sent towards a fund for first responders in the state.
The new law has also laid down minimum distances that is needed between licensed fireworks stores.
Big Boost To Local Companies
The passage of the bill is expected to provide a big boost to local companies like Phantom Fireworks of Delaware Water Gap.
A manager with the firm Greg Marino said that the company has applied for the new license.
Marino noted that the new law will allow state residents to enjoy what residents of other states like New Jersey or New York had already been doing so.
Under the previous law, a Pennsylvania resident needed to apply to the local municipality for a permit to buy and use such fireworks. Marino stated that the store had around 30 and 50 customers per year who did that.
According to him, business is likely to boom with the introduction of the new law but will hit peak only around the Fourth of July.
Phantom’s top selling product in aerial fireworks category is a 500 gram aerial repeater that launches shots up to 180 feet in height with numerous effects. The price for it ranges from $100 to $250.
