Friday, July 1, 2016

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Georgia legalized fireworks a year ago, this year the state is putting more restrictions on how you can enjoy those fireworks.

You have to be 18- years-old to ignite fireworks, and you can't have any drugs or alcohol in your system. Public places like roads and parks are off limits, and you have to stay at least 100 yards away from hospitals and gas stations.

On Friday and Saturday, fireworks have to be finished by 9 p.m. On Sunday and Monday, fireworks are allowed until midnight.

In South Carolina, fireworks are banned in the city of Aiken. North Augusta Public Safety says they start taking noise complaints at 10 p.m.

Thursday, June 30, 2016 News 12 First at Five

NORTH AUGUSTA, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) -- One year ago the green light was given for fireworks in Georgia and now South Carolina stores are starting to see some of the competition.

Stores in South Carolina are used to being busy this time of year because it's showtime for them.

"A lot of travelers, they say they're coming from Tennessee or coming from Georgia," Ashley Townsend with Fireworks Warehouse said.

But a year after all fireworks from sparklers to the Big Dawg were allowed, Georgia shoppers are taking notice of the other side of the river.

"I think competition and if they don't step up their game then they lose out," Alfredo Marton from Evans said.

Even store managers see it coming too.

"The law came in at the end of June last year so they didn't have time to get the stores or the license or anything that they need, so this year I'm sure we'll probably see a little bit of a drop," Brian Ayers with Wacky Wayne's said.

But one Evans shop is actually going into their second year and trying to go bigger.

"Because they would rather, it's like shopping local they would rather do that than go across the river and we've got everything," Pam Cox said, who works at 2 Sons Fireworks.

Georgia did add some regulations to the law this year such as on the Fourth fireworks can only be used until midnight and of course you can't be within 100 yards of hospitals or roads and highways.