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Newport council adopts year‑round consumer fireworks ban after public outcry
Summary
After more than an hour of public testimony and council debate, Newport City Council voted 6–1 to ban the sale, possession and use of consumer fireworks within city limits, while preserving permitted public displays. Supporters cited public‑safety and environmental concerns; opponents warned of enforcement limits and nonprofit fundraising losses.
The Newport City Council voted 6–1 on Feb. 16 to adopt an ordinance that would ban the year‑round sale, possession and use of consumer fireworks within city limits. The ordinance preserves the city’s authority to allow organized public displays by permit; the default municipal penalty for violations is $500 unless otherwise specified.
Tiffany, the city attorney, told the council the ordinance would make legal (currently permitted) consumer fireworks unlawful inside the city while retaining the state‑administered public‑display permit process. "This ban would ban the use, sale and possession of fireworks within the city limits," she said, and noted the municipal code already allows the council to impose temporary prohibitions by resolution in hazardous conditions. Police and fire chiefs joined the discussion to describe enforcement tradeoffs and permit processes.
Public testimony before the vote included repeated arguments that legal 'safe and sane' fireworks are a long‑standing local tradition and a key fundraiser for nonprofits. "We've grown accustomed to relying on the funds through fireworks," Ed Forsyth said, describing his nonprofit's dependence on tent sales for camps, aid and an orphanage project. Several vendors and volunteers said a ban would cut crucial income for charitable programs; Mike Cole, representing TNT Fireworks, warned bans can drive demand toward illegal aerial fireworks bought out of state.
Council debate centered on public‑safety risk, enforcement practicality and broader harms including impacts on pets, wildlife and beach litter. Councillor Hickman argued that laws set a public standard even if not perfectly enforceable and pointed to data on fires and noise harms, while others emphasized outreach and the city's continuing investment in a permitted public display. On roll call, the ordinance passed with six votes in favor and one opposed (Councillor Aparicio Reyes).
The council directed staff to provide public information if the ordinance takes effect, including guidance about which items—such as sparklers and small party poppers—are not classified as fireworks under state law and how to apply for display permits through the State Fire Marshal.
