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Andover council narrows fireworks discharge hours, adds one sales day to help vendors
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Summary
The council approved a compromise resolution allowing an extra sales day for fireworks vendors while generally shortening late‑night discharge to 10 p.m. (except 11:59 p.m. on July 3–4); permit fees remain unchanged and no stand permits have been filed so far.
ANDOVER, Kan. — The Andover City Council on April 28 adopted a resolution setting sales and discharge rules for fireworks for 2026 that officials described as a compromise between vendor requests and residents' quality‑of‑life concerns.
City staff presented the proposal, saying it "balances competing interests by allowing an additional day for sales while reducing late night discharge to 10PM on most days, except July 3 and July 4," and detailed the schedule: sales allowed Friday, June 26 through Thursday, July 2 and Sunday, July 5 (sales generally 8 a.m.–10 p.m.; discharge generally 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; on July 3–4 both sale and discharge extend to 11:59 p.m.).
A council member noted the change may increase noncompliance early on and urged enforcement; the chief said staff will advertise the rules and attempt proactive enforcement. Staff also confirmed there were currently no stand-permit applications for 2026 and that the permit fee remains unchanged from last year.
Councilmember Homer Henry moved to adopt the fireworks resolution; the motion was seconded and approved by a recorded 6-0 vote.
Council members framed the resolution as an effort to support local businesses while addressing residents' concerns about late-night discharge and pet impacts. Staff said they plan outreach to notify residents and vendors about the new permitted times.
Next steps: Staff will formalize permitting guidance, advertise the dates and times, and monitor compliance over the holiday period.
