A draft fireworks ordinance for the town of Bristol would ban the use of fireworks throughout the town on all but 3-4 days a year.
The town would permit the use of fireworks on the Fourth of July, as well as July 3 or July 5 if one of those days falls on a Friday or Saturday. The town would also permit fireworks use on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.
The draft ordinance would also prohibit fireworks use on days with high fire danger, on public property, within 150 feet of buildings or without permission from the property owner.
The Maine Forest Service establishes the fire danger rating daily, posts it on its website and offers daily updates by email and text message.
The ordinance would also ban the sale of fireworks.
Bristol, through the Bristol Board of Selectmen and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, would levy fines of $100-$1000 for violations.
The ordinance would also authorize the town to seize and dispose of consumer fireworks when it has “probable cause to believe [fireworks] are used or sold in violation of” the ordinance.
The ordinance would not apply to state-permitted fireworks displays like the fireworks at Pemaquid Beach during Olde Bristol Days.
Bristol has also proposed an ordinance exempting active duty military personnel from motor vehicle excise tax.
Public hearings about both ordinances will take place before the Board of Selectmen Wednesday, March 6 at 7 p.m.
Bristol residents will decide whether to adopt the ordinances at the annual town meeting March 19.
