Costa Mesa Council Limits Fireworks Sales : Ordinance: The measure allows their use only on July 4, raises the minimum age for purchase and bans sale of sparklers.
The City Council passed an ordinance Monday allowing the use of fireworks in the city only on July 4.
The ordinance also narrows the days that fireworks may be sold to July 1 through 4, and raises the minimum age for purchase of fireworks from 16 to 18.
It also bans the sale of sparklers, and requires an adult to be present when any fireworks are used.
Responding to complaints about the potential hazards of fireworks in busy neighborhoods, the council last year formed a citizens panel to study the issue.
The panel of residents, Fire Department officials and fireworks manufacturers concluded that fireworks have not increased fires or emergency calls during Fourth of July celebrations.
Two members of that committee, however, disagreed with the findings and continued to push for a citywide vote on the matter, and an advisory measure was placed on the ballot in November.
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