The Ekurhuleni metro is warning residents and businesses about the legal implications of selling and setting off fireworks.
According to the metro, it is illegal to sell and set off fireworks without the necessary permission.
Businesses have to apply for a licence at the SAPS’s Explosives Unit, which also goes to the metro’s emergency services and EMPD.
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An application must be made to the EMPD for permission for residents who want to set off fireworks.
“This is to ensure that fireworks are used in a safe manner and will not constitute a fire hazard,” the metro stated.
“Businesses selling fireworks without a certificate of registration will receive a spot fine, with an additional fine for any other fire safety violations found.
“People using fireworks without approval can also receive a spot fine.
“Furthermore, businesses are warned against illegally advertising fireworks on traffic signs and pavements, including deploying people at intersections and pavements to illegally sell these fireworks.
“The bylaw for the setting off of fireworks in a residential area refers to Section 42 under the heading “Disturbance of the peace” of and says:
‘No person shall discharge fireworks without the prior written consent of the council, and such consent shall hereafter be called a “Fireworks Permit”.
‘Such “Firework Permit” will be readily available at the event and produced on request by an authorised officer.
‘Any person failing to do so shall be guilty of an offence.’
“The discharge of fireworks is covered in the Gauteng Noise Control Regulations (1999) Regulation 9(b), and the EMPD Services Bylaws Section 42 (2), under the heading “Disturbance of the Peace”, of the Ekurhuleni metro.”
To report the disturbance of peace, contact the Ekurhuleni metro call centre on 0860 543 000.
