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Columbus holds heated second reading on fireworks ordinance amid business, animal and enforcement concerns
Summary
At a June 2 second reading of ordinance 25‑o8, dozens of residents and vendors testified for and against proposed limits on fireworks sale and discharge dates; no vote was taken and the council set a third reading for June 16.
Columbus City Council held a second reading June 2 of ordinance 25‑o8, which would amend city code sections 133.03 through 133.05 to change allowed fireworks sale and discharge dates, times and required signage; the council did not vote and scheduled a third reading for June 16.
The ordinance drew a large public turnout with two broad camps: animal‑welfare and noise‑concerned residents urging shorter discharge periods, and longtime fireworks vendors and community organizations warning of lost income and lost local fundraising if sale days are cut from the current 10 days to seven. "I'm not asking to take it away… we're just asking for three days less," said Deb Potter, a Columbus resident who cited shelter pickup statistics and animals harmed or frightened by fireworks.
Vendors described tight margins and year‑ahead purchasing obligations. "I've already purchased my fireworks for New Year's when I purchased for the…
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