FIRECRACKER and pyrotechnic sellers will no longer be allowed to sell their products wherever they wish in Danao City.

This after the Danao City Council passed Ordinance 20-18 regulating the sale, distribution, possession and use of firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices and other similar explosives within the city.

Approved by the Danao City Council last Aug. 7, the ordinance is currently being ratified by the Cebu Provincial Board (PB), particularly the committee on public safety led by PB member Sun Shimura.

Danao City Councilors Edmund Lao and Rodrigo Giango said there is a need for the City to regulate the use of firecrackers, pyrotechnic devices and other explosives to eradicate accidents attributed to such products.

“Local government units are mandated by law to ensure health and safety, peace and order, stability, and thriving economy in their communities. For this purpose, they are mandated to ensure that social and cultural practices using firecrackers and pyrotechnics do not adversely affect the welfare of the communities,” Lao said.

The ordinance authorizes Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III, with the recommendation of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and other law enforcement agencies, to designate an exclusive firecracker selling zone during the Yuletide season, which is from Dec. 15 to 31.

Within the designated firecracker selling area, testing of the products is strictly prohibited.

Selling hours at the designated firecracker selling area will also be regulated.

Selling of firecrackers can only be done from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. except on Dec. 24 and 29, when it will be allowed until 11 p.m.

Selling firecrackers and pyrotechnics to minors, including allowing them to use the products, is strictly prohibited. (JKV)