New law will update rules for Missouri fireworks retailers

JEFFERSON CITY (MissouriNet) — A public safety bill signed into law this month will update regulations for using and selling fireworks in Missouri.

State Rep. Tim Taylor (R-Speed) sponsored that portion of SB 81. He told MissouriNet that the state’s fireworks regulations have not been updated in roughly 20 years.

“Fireworks are a big thing for Missourians. We spend more per capita in Missouri than any other state in the Union, so we really, really do enjoy our fireworks,” he said. “The folks out there won’t see any changes on what they can buy on the shelf. None of that was affected.”

The changes mostly expand the authority of the State Fire Marshal’s office to regulate fireworks sales and use. For example, the Fire Marshall can revoke or suspend permits of fireworks retailers if they refuse to allow their sites to be inspected.

It also contains language regarding drug and alcohol use among employees at fireworks retailers. Under current law, an entire chain of fireworks stands can be shut down if any employee at one of them is found to be intoxicated while on the job.

“(SB 81) clarifies…that only that one particular stand and that individual who was intoxicated, as the example showed, was affected and not the other stands that weren’t a problem,” Taylor said.

The measure also raises fees as follows:

• Seasonal retailer — $50 to $150 per calendar year per sales location
• Manufacturers — $775 to $1,000 per calendar year
• Distributors — $775 to $1,000 per calendar year
• Wholesalers — $275 to $500 per calendar year
• Annual retailer — $525 to $750 per calendar year

The new regulations take effect August 28, meaning they won’t affect fireworks sales for this July 4th holiday sales period.

Cameron Conner, MissouriNet

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