Diwali almost here, expect big bangs

With Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, around the corner, City authorities have urged residents to celebrate responsibly, considering other residents.

Diwali will be celebrated on 30 October and spokesperson for Metro police, Edna Mamonyane, has confirmed that the bylaws do allow the use of fireworks to celebrate.

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Those who will be celebrating Diwali are allowed to use fireworks between 7pm and 10pm on the day, but Mamonyane urged celebrants to make sure that they adhere to the bylaws.

“Those who will be planning to have big celebrations in one place need to apply for permission [with Metro police] so that we can assess the place and ensure that nobody’s safety will be compromised.”

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She added that fireworks must not be used within 500 metres of any explosives factory, explosives storage place, petrol depot, petrol station, inside any building and in any public place.

Requirements for wholesalers, resellers and users:

Wholesalers and resellers must register at the police stations’ explosives unit and with the City of Johannesburg. Fireworks must be stored in steel lockers where the storage limit for wholesalers is 1 000kg and 500kg for resellers.

Signs indicating a fireworks dealer must be displayed outside. There must be appropriate fire extinguishers on the premises. Resellers may not sell fireworks to any person under age 16.

See also: Do’s and don’ts of fireworks

Offences and penalties for breaking the fireworks bylaws:

• Permitting a minor to light fireworks: R1 500.
• Failing to obtain permission for fireworks display: R1 500.
• Lighting/igniting fireworks at a place where animals are present: R1 000.
• Lighting/igniting fireworks at any day or time unless during those stated above: R500.
•  Failing to comply with terms and conditions of fireworks display: R1 500.
• Failing to ensure that fireworks display is presented only on suitable premises designated by the city council and under the supervision and control of a designated official: R1 500.
• Failing to ensure that a fireworks licence, in terms of the Explosives Act and a written authority of the executive head, is in hand when dealing with fireworks: R1 500.
• Failing to ensure that a written authority to deal in fireworks from the executive head is not contravened: R1 500.

Details: Metro Police 011 375 5911.