LONG BEACH, NY \u2014 The Long Beach City Council has released its agenda for Tuesday\u2019s council meeting, and the first item scheduled for public hearing would introduce a steeper penalty for violators of the city\u2019s fireworks law. <\/p>\n
Under current city code, Long Beach prohibits the setting off or sale of fireworks, rockets, torpedoes and roman candles in the city. There is an exception carved out that allows the city to permit public fireworks displays \u201cby properly authorized individuals,\u201d provided that display is deemed to \u201cnot be hazardous to surrounding property or any danger to any person.\u201d <\/p>\n
That code has been backed by a fine of up to $250 per day for violators, but a new proposal could change that. Under a proposed change to the fireworks ordinance, the language covering fireworks fines would change from \u201cnot less than five dollars ($5.00), nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each day’s violation,\u201d to not \u201cmore than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) for each violation, or imprisonment for not more than fifteen (15) days, or both.\u201d<\/p>\n
The exact fine or imprisonment handed down would remain at a judge\u2019s discretion, city officials said, but the maximum penalties would change. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday. <\/p>\n