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Columbus council advances compromise ordinance tightening fireworks sale and discharge windows
Summary
The Columbus City Council on May 19 approved a committee recommendation to amend city code limiting fireworks sale and discharge dates and times; the change drew heated comments from vendors, residents and civic fundraisers and will go through two more readings before an Aug. 1, 2025 effective date if adopted.
The Columbus City Council on May 19 adopted a Committee of the Whole recommendation and advanced a proposed ordinance that would narrow the dates and times for fireworks sales and discharge in city limits.
The amendment to city code sections 133.03 through 133.05 would limit discharge dates from June 28 through July 2 (8 a.m.–11 p.m.) and July 3–4 (8 a.m.–midnight), prohibit December fireworks, and set sales dates from June 28 through July 4 (8 a.m.–10 p.m.). The committee recommended an effective date of Aug. 1, 2025; council members said the change would not affect fireworks sales or use for July 4, 2025.
The ordinance received substantial public comment. Jason Tilly, owner of Crazy Cracker Fireworks, called the proposed limits “an unenforceable policy” that would penalize law-abiding vendors while doing little to stop after-hours use by others. “You’re going to shorten the sale dates,” Tilly said, adding that of 54 police complaints he reviewed over three years, law enforcement issued seven verbal warnings.
Jeff Peabody, representing Columbus High School band, said the group depends on fireworks-tent sales as its largest fundraiser and supported preserving at least one weekend in the sales window so organizations can staff tents and raise money. “Leaving just the first weekend in still works very well for us,” Peabody said.
Sarah Abler of Fly by Night Fireworks urged retaining a longer sales period, explaining that set-up, staffing and technology needs make shorter sale periods difficult for independent vendors. “Imagine setting up a whole store in a day or two,” Abler said.
Council members framed the committee recommendation as a compromise after months of public input and committee debate. One council member noted the Committee of the Whole approved the recommended amendment 7–1 and said the ordinance could be brought to a public vote if controversy persisted. Council members clarified the ordinance requires three readings; this meeting served as the first reading, with additional readings scheduled at council meetings in June.
The council voted to adopt the committee report and move the ordinance forward; no final adoption occurred at the May 19 meeting. Council members said enforcement will continue to rest with the police department, which they acknowledged faces practical limits on catching after-hours shooters.
If adopted after the remaining readings, the change would take effect Aug. 1, 2025 and not apply to sales or discharge for July 4, 2025.
The debate highlighted a split between residents and vendors: residents and at least one council member favoring more restrictive public displays to reduce noise and safety concerns, and vendors and school fundraisers warning of economic impacts on fundraising and small businesses.
The ordinance will return for further readings at the council’s first and third Monday meetings in June.
