Greenville will outlaw late-night fireworks in the city

Eric Connor | The Greenville News

Greenville will outlaw the use of fireworks in the late-night hours following persistent complaints by city residents about noise that keeps neighbors awake and startles pets.

The new restrictions would limit the use of noisy fireworks between 10 p.m. and 9 a.m. on all but two days — Fourth of July and New Year's Eve.

The City Council approved the first of two votes on the restrictions, which were altered before the vote Monday to include the exception that fireworks are allowed until 12:30 a.m. on the two holidays. The council is scheduled to vote the changes into law on Nov. 25.

City Councilwoman Lillian Brock Flemming pushed for the restrictions after complaints from residents, and while she said she recognizes the need for later hours on the Fourth and New Year's Eve, those occasions still need limitations.

"We have to consider holidays as part of the celebration," Flemming said. "The biggest problem we have is about one, two in the morning. We need to put something in there that it at least cuts off."

A person in violation could face a $100 fine on first offense, $500 on a second offense that happens within the same calendar year as the first.

The issue plays out regularly in neighborhood meetings and on social media platforms: Why fireworks at 3 a.m.? On random days? Is it a shotgun blast? Why do my dogs have to terrified?

Here's more on what the law will do

► Fireworks that don't make noise, like sparklers or "similar pyrotechnic products which generate no appreciable noise," wouldn't be subject to time limitations.

► Flares for the purposes of safety would be exempt.

► Public fireworks displays could be granted an exemption with the city's chief fire official. Commercial displays like the Greenville Drive shows on Friday nights aren't affected.

► No limitation on the sale of fireworks during the restricted hours.

► The rules don't supersede restrictions in place already for fire safety.

► The fine could be suspended.

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