With the Fourth of July holiday fast-approaching comes a warning from the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Fire Department that all varieties of fireworks, including the so-called "Safe and Sane" brand, are illegal in the city and those found with fireworks face the possibility of fines and jail time.
The Long Beach Police Department warned it will actively enforce all laws related to fireworks, including sparklers, and anyone cited or arrested for such violations may receive a $1,000 fine, be sentenced to six months in jail, or both.
Fines and penalties can increase depending on the classification of the fireworks.
Police and firefighters will patrol the entire city but plan to focus in particular on the beaches, from Shoreline Drive to the end of the Peninsula. Collection bins for those wanting to dispose of fireworks will be located at Police Headquarters, all police sub-stations and Lifeguard Headquarters. Go to www.longbeach.gov for addresses of the above locations.
Fireworks were banned in Long Beach by a city ordinance adopted more than 40 years ago.
The public is also reminded the law strictly prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages on public property. Municipal and Penal Code sections in regards to under-age drinking and/or unlawful possession of alcohol will also be strictly enforced.
Each year within the City and across the country, individuals, including children, are seriously injured and burned as a result of fireworks usage. Therefore, taking advantage of one of the many licensed and controlled professional public firework displays in the City of Long Beach or in surrounding communities is strongly encouraged. Check your local newspaper or visit www.longbeach.gov for information regarding firework demonstrations.
The Long Beach Police Department warned it will actively enforce all laws related to fireworks, including sparklers, and anyone cited or arrested for such violations may receive a $1,000 fine, be sentenced to six months in jail, or both.
Fines and penalties can increase depending on the classification of the fireworks.
Police and firefighters will patrol the entire city but plan to focus in particular on the beaches, from Shoreline Drive to the end of the Peninsula. Collection bins for those wanting to dispose of fireworks will be located at Police Headquarters, all police sub-stations and Lifeguard Headquarters. Go to www.longbeach.gov for addresses of the above locations.
Fireworks were banned in Long Beach by a city ordinance adopted more than 40 years ago.
The public is also reminded the law strictly prohibits drinking alcoholic beverages on public property. Municipal and Penal Code sections in regards to under-age drinking and/or unlawful possession of alcohol will also be strictly enforced.
Each year within the City and across the country, individuals, including children, are seriously injured and burned as a result of fireworks usage. Therefore, taking advantage of one of the many licensed and controlled professional public firework displays in the City of Long Beach or in surrounding communities is strongly encouraged. Check your local newspaper or visit www.longbeach.gov for information regarding firework demonstrations.
So in other words, the City is taking this opportunity to make some money. Wonder what the ticket writing quota will be.