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Advisory committee considers fines and outreach to curb illegal fireworks in Seaside
Summary
Members discussed a proposal to impose stronger penalties for illegal fireworks—fines up to $5,000 for repeat offenses—and to fund a public-awareness campaign with signage and ads; members emphasized pairing messaging with enforcement and suggested a mid-range outreach budget.
The Seaside Tourism Advisory Committee discussed a two-pronged approach to illegal fireworks: increased penalties for repeat offenders and a public-education campaign to deter illegal use during peak holiday periods.
One committee member described a draft enforcement plan that would authorize fines up to $5,000 for multiple offenses (with the first offense likely treated more leniently) and called for an ad and signage campaign to get the word out. "We're looking at putting in, probably a fine structure up to 5,000," the member said, adding the group did not expect to apply the maximum for a first offense but wanted teeth in enforcement.
Members agreed outreach should be paired with enforcement capacity and suggested a budget more modest than the committee's highest testing level—roughly $10,000 was cited as a likely mid-range option for promotion and signage. The group discussed signage placement and an ad message framed to discourage illegal fireworks without sounding punitive.
Committee members noted the need to coordinate enforcement and that a multi‑year effort may be required to change behavior. No ordinance or final fine schedule was adopted at the meeting; staff will work with enforcement partners to refine the proposal.
