Fireworks ban may continue despite change

Licensed exhibitors excepted in proposed new code section.

Shooting off fireworks in the city limits will continue to be illegal if City Council approves an ordinance slated for second reading on Tuesday’s agenda, despite a state legislature action allowing the discharge of fireworks.

State H.B. 172 amended the Ohio Revised Code to allow any person authorized to possess consumer-grade fireworks to discharge, ignite or explode them on their property or, if permitted, to do so on another person’s property. The change refers to only certain designated days of the year.

The state change, however, allowed for an exception based on home-rule authority to permit cities to restrict days and times for ignition of fireworks or to completely ban the use of them.

This ordinance, which received first reading May 3, would continue Oxford’s ban on the use of fireworks in the city limits. It repeals the existing section of the city code and substitutes a new section retaining the prohibition on discharge of fireworks.