TITLE
Recommendation to receive and file a report and presentation regarding the impacts of allowing the sale and use of state-approved fireworks. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
On January 7, 2014, the City Council considered a recommendation by Councilmember Al Austin (attached) to direct the City Clerk to place an advisory question on the April 8, 2014 citywide election ballot asking Long Beach voters: "Should the City of Long Beach allow the sale, use, and possession of state-approved fireworks within the city limits?" Following considerable discussion, the City Council directed staff to return with a report on the impacts of allowing the sale and use of fireworks in the city so that the Council could decide prior to March 7, 2014 whether to place the question on the June 3, 2014 ballot.
“Safe and sane” fireworks, which are approved by the State Fire Marshal, are those that do not go up into the air, explode, or move about the ground in an uncontrolled way. These include, but are not limited to, cones, sparklers, smoke balls, and spinners. There are currently 39 cities in Los Angeles County and 8 cities in Orange County that permit the sale of legal fireworks. State law prohibits the sale of fireworks to persons under 16 years of age.
As reported by fireworks distributors, some of the reasons for permitting the sale of fireworks are:
· Provides a fund-raising opportunity for non-profit groups,
· Fireworks purchased in nearby cities are already being used in Long Beach now,
· Allows residents to celebrate the 4th of July at home using products approved by the State Fire Marshal, and
· License fees, sales tax, and possibly a surcharge would serve to offset additional public safety costs.
The distributors suggest that 30 to 40 stand locations would be appropriate for a city the size of Long Beach, with estimated gross sales being between $1.0 to $1.3 million, not including sales tax or permit fees. Based on their assumptions, the average stand grosses betw...
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