Norfolk considers narrowing the time frame to buy and use fireworks

NORFOLK, Neb. -- The city of Norfolk has tabled an ordinance that would restrict the dates and times allowing the sale and use of fireworks within the city.

The motion put forth during Monday's city council meeting proposed to allow firework sales to take place from June 28 to July 4, narrowing the window from 10 days to seven. The time during which firework sales could take place would also be shortened, with sale hours becoming 2 pm to 11 pm rather than 8 am to 11 pm. Customers who purchased fireworks would also only be able to legally fire their fireworks during these hours. The only exception of the proposed time frame was July 4, which would have an 8 am to midnight window to buy and use fireworks. 

The ordinance was put into place after the city council received numerous calls during this past July 4 holiday. According to council member Kory Hildebrand, many of the callers were shift workers who weren't able to rest due to the fireworks, individuals concerned over the well-being of their pets, and veterans who suffer from PTSD. 

However, some people at the meeting said narrowing the time in which vendors could sell fireworks could negatively impact the Norfolk firework industry. Eric Sanders, the co-owner of Fly By Night Fireworks, said that selling fireworks is already constrained and that more limitations would make it harder for business owners. 

"We're not a 365, 24/7 business," Sanders said. "Taking days out...really anywhere in there, it's just a loss. It gives you no time to recover if anything happens."

The decision was made to table the ordinance in order to come up with a compromise for both sides.