CCAgenda_03Mar12 - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Information for retailers of fireworks Here is a summary of information relating to retail sale of fireworks in Minnesota: Retailers should check with the local governmental entity where sales are contemplated for any additional requirements that may apply (i.e. business licenses, zoning or permits). No permit or license is necessary from the State Fire Marshal Division for sale, . possession or use of fireworks exempted from Minnesota Statute 624.20, although one my be required locally. • Strict adherence to state fireworks laws, especially Minn. Stat. 624.20 (c), is encouraged and expected. • Operating outside the exception provided by Minn. Stat 624.20 (c) for sale, possession and use of fireworks is addressed in the criminal statutes of Minn. Stat. 624.20 to 624.25. According to Minn. Stat. 624.25, violations are addressed as follows: Any person violating the provisions of sections 624.20 to 624.24 maybe sentenced as follows: 1. if the violation involves explosive fireworks in an amount of 35 pounds gross container weight or more, to imprisonment for not more than one year, or to payment of a fine of not more Phan $3,000, or both; 2. if the violation involves explosive fireworks in an amount of less than 35 pounds gross container weight, to imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or to payment of a fine of not more Phan $700, or both; and 3. if the violation involves any amount of fireworks other than explosive fireworks, to imprisonment for not more than 90 days, or to payment of a fine of not more than $700, or both. • Purchasers of legal fireworks must be at least 18 years old. Minn. Stat. 624.20 (c) requires that retailers verify age though presentation of photographic identification by the purchaser. • The Minnesota Uniform Fire Code is adopted statewide and has provisions relating to fireworks. Retailers are encouraged to be familiar with the requirements in the Fire Code since they apply to legal fireworks. • Smoking is not allowed in areas used for retail sale or storage of fireworks [reference: MUFC (1998) Section 1109.4.1]. • There are no provisions in the new language of Minn. Stat. 624.20 (c) that limit or prohibit advertising or mail order sales for legal fireworks. Permitted advertising and mail order sales, however, are limited to fireworks legalized by Minn. Stat. 624.20 (c) since other fireworks are still not legal for personal sale, possession or use. • State Fire Marshal Fireworks Fact Sheet April 30, 2002 Page 6 of 6 www.fire.state.mn.us Questions: firecode@state.mn.us a8