Guy Fawkes vs fireworks
Guy Fawkes Night (tonight) is an old English event, but is celebrated each year all over the world.
Safe sites are a necessity when fireworks are to be set off in public.
According to chief superintendent Wilfred Kgasago, spokesman for the EMPD, it is a necessity to obtain a permit from the EMPD to set fireworks off in a residential area.
The enforcement of illegal setting off of fireworks is provided for in terms of the EMPD Disturbance of Peace Section 42(2).
Kgasago says this sections stipulates no person shall discharge fireworks without the prior fireworks permit from the metro and a fine of R2 000 can be given for failure to produce such a permit.
In the event of the Gauteng Noise Control Regulations (1999 Reg 9(d), if you discharge fireworks in a residential area which may cause a noise disturbance, a liable penalty is liable on conviction to a fine of about R20 000.
Captain Johannes Ramphora, spokesman for the Springs police, says to display fireworks in public permission is needed from the chief inspector of explosives.
According to the Firework Contraventions Explosives Act 26/1956 it is an offence to illegally deal in and/or sell fireworks.
He says the most common offence is selling fireworks without a licence on pavements or outside licensed premises.
Possession of unlicensed fireworks is an offence and records should be kept of all fireworks.
Ramphora says it is important that fireworks are kept behind counters and a display sign, including no smoking signs inside a shop which sells the product, is necessary.
Fireworks should not be sold to children under 16 and they should not be allowed to handle fireworks without adult supervision.
Any person breaching the rules and regulations of this act will be guilty of an offence and will be fined R600 or sentenced to jail for a period not exceeding 12 months.
There are many rules and regulations regarding fireworks, however, if safety measures are in place no problems will be forthcoming.
“The guilty party can be fined, imprisoned and have the fireworks confiscated which means the costs of the disposal thereof shall be paid by the accused,” concludes Ramphora.
