Fireworks and the law
Business owners who wish to sell fireworks are required to apply for a license at the South African Police Service’s Explosives Unit.
Ekurhuleni residents and businesses are advised to heed the bylaws pertaining to the sale and use of fireworks as we head into the festive season.
The Ekurhuleni Metro Police Department (EMPD) will be on the lookout for any illegal operations, including selling or operating such dangerous goods without the necessary permission.
Business owners who wish to sell fireworks are required to apply for a license at the South African Police Service’s Explosives Unit.
The application must also be sent to the Metro’s EMS and EMPD.
Residents who wish to use fireworks must also apply at the relevant EMPD Precinct Station for permission.
This is to ensure that fireworks are used in a safe manner and will not constitute a fire hazard.
Businesses selling fireworks without a certificate of registration will receive a spot fine of R2 500, with an additional fine for any other fire safety violations found.
People using fireworks without approval can also receive a spot fine of between R1 000 and R2 500.
Furthermore, businesses are warned against illegally advertising fireworks on traffic signs, pavements, including deploying people at intersections and pavements to illegally sell these fireworks.
There is a bylaw in place that addresses the use of fireworks in a residential area.
For ease of reference, Section 42 under the heading “Disturbance of the peace” of the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality Police Services By-laws, promulgated in Provincial Gazette 39, Notice 208, prescribes as follows:
No person shall discharge fireworks without the prior written consent of the council, and such consent shall hereafter be called a “Fireworks Permit”.
Such “Fireworks Permit” will be readily available at the event and produced on request by an authorised officer.
