Towns mixed in how they view state fireworks law

Area municipalities have had different responses to the enactment of House Bill 172, otherwise known as the “fireworks law.”
A provision of the new state law that went into effect July 1 allows individuals to possess consumer-grade fireworks in the state, eliminating a previous requirement purchasers transport the fireworks out of the state within 48 hours of the sale.
The new law also allows the discharge of fireworks by residents on their property or other property, with permission of the owner, on the following days: New Year’ Eve and Day, Chinese New Year, Cinco de Mayo, Memorial Day weekend, Juneteenth, July 3, 4, and 5 and the Friday, Saturday, and Sunday preceding and following; Labor Day Weekend, and Diwali.
At a recent meeting, the vote in Gibsonburg Village Council resulted in a 3-3 tie with Mayor Steve Fought breaking the tie and voting in favor of the village adopting the state law.
Randall Genzman, administrator in the Village of Oak Harbor, said the village hasn’t opted out of the state law so it will apply in the village.
Genoa Mayor Thomas Bergman said village council hasn’t adopted any new ordinances on the fireworks issue and a council meeting isn’t scheduled before July 4.
Dave Hower, administrator in the Village of Elmore, said the village council and administration disagree with the passing of the state law.
“The village does not agree with… House Bill 172,” he said. “The village administration, including the Police Chief Jeff Harrison, believes that fireworks should be set off by licensed exhibitors of fireworks who are authorized to conduct firework exhibitions in accordance with the Ohio Revised Code. Village council will be initiating an ordinance during the July 11 council meeting to ensure village residents will not be able to discharge, ignite, or explode any fireworks in the municipality without violating the Village of Elmore codified ordinances.”
During a special meeting June 27, members of Walbridge Village Council voted 5-0 to opt out of the state law and let the current village ordinance remain in effect.
Mayor Ed Kolanko said council felt strongly village residents are satisfied with the ordinance that generally limits the discharging of fireworks to licensed individuals who secure a permit from the village.
The state law says fireworks can’t be discharged by someone who is in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance.
Under a provision that went into effect last November, there is a general moratorium for 2022 on the issuance of new licenses and transfer of existing licenses for manufacturers and wholesalers.
Beginning May 18, a 4 percent fee on the retail sale of consumer grade fireworks went into effect.
The fee revenue will help fund firefighter training programs and the Ohio Fire Marshal’s administration of the new law.