The Gallatin City Council discussed an ordinance earlier this week that would preserve the city’s existing restrictions on the year-round retail sale of “sparkling devices” — sparklers, cone fountains and similar novelty fireworks. Click for More News
Recent news coverage and social media chatter have led some residents to believe Gallatin is banning sparklers altogether. City leaders want to stress to residents that that is not accurate.
“Residents will continue to be able to purchase and use legal fireworks. Those products will remain available during Gallatin’s traditional sales periods before Independence Day and New Year’s Eve. The ordinance does not prohibit the use of sparklers or other legal consumer fireworks during those periods,” states a press release.
The move comes in response to a recent change in Tennessee law allowing certain sparkling devices to be registered and sold year-round at retail locations. While the state has expanded where and when these items can be sold, it still allows local governments to set more restrictive rules. Gallatin’s ordinance keeps the city’s current approach in place, limiting sales of these devices to the traditional seasonal fireworks periods rather than allowing them on store shelves year-round.
City officials say the ordinance addresses both fire and building safety.
“From a fire prevention standpoint, the Gallatin Fire Department has expressed concern that making sparklers and similar devices readily available year-round could increase the likelihood of accidental fires and injuries, particularly when such items are accessible outside of traditional holiday and permitted celebrations.
Building officials also note that fireworks and other incendiary products require special consideration when stored and displayed in commercial buildings. Restricting sales to permitted seasonal fireworks retailers helps ensure appropriate safety measures are in place for the storage and sale of these products,” city leaders said via press release.
The ordinance won’t change Gallatin’s existing fireworks sales periods or affect permitted seasonal retailers — it simply blocks the expansion of year-round retail sales now allowed under state law.
Council members also took up a separate amendment addressing permitted fireworks displays for weddings, festivals, community celebrations and other special events. The proposed change would limit these displays to the hours of 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; previously, approved special-event displays were exempt from time restrictions.
Anyone planning a special event fireworks display must obtain a Special Event Display Permit and pay the required fee. Applications go through the city’s Building Codes Department and must meet all applicable state and local safety requirements.
Residents should keep the following existing regulations in mind:
- Consumer fireworks sales are limited to approved seasonal periods around Independence Day and New Year’s Eve.
- Buyers must be at least 16 years old, and 16- and 17-year-olds must show photo ID.
- Fireworks may not be set off on private property without the owner’s or occupant’s permission.
- Fireworks may not be ignited within 600 feet of a church, school, hospital, assisted living facility, nursing home or funeral home.
Residents with questions about fireworks regulations, permits or the new ordinance can contact the City of Gallatin Building Codes Department at 615-451-5968.
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