Police: Zero tolerance on unauthorised fireworks

The police will be taking a zero-tolerance stance on the sale and unlawful use of fireworks during the holiday season, they have said.

A release said they will enforce all laws on the misuse of fireworks to ensure the safety and security of all law-abiding citizens.

The release said over the years there have been several reports of serious injuries to people using fireworks, and also unnecessary, sometimes fatal, disturbances to the elderly, convalescents, animals and pets.

Police commissioner Gary Griffith said while using fireworks is not illegal, there are laws restricting their unauthorised sale and misuse.

The Summary Offences Act Section 99 says “any person who throws, casts, sets fire to, or lets off any fireworks within any town is liable to a fine of $1,000.” Section 100 says, “Any person who throws, casts, sets fire to, or lets off any fireworks into, in, or upon" any other street or anywhere within 60 feet of the centre of a street is liable to a fine of $400.

Section 99 specifies that “town” includes the cities of Port of Spain and San Fernando, the borough of Arima, everywhere within two miles of their boundaries, and anywhere else declared a town or within a town.

Griffith said fireworks are not to be used indoors, near dry grass or anywhere that might injure people or animals or damage property and should not be sold to children under 16. The police would make sure people selling fireworks are licensed, and anyone contravening the law would be charged, he warned.

The police also stressed the need for fireworks users to act responsibly and bear safety in mind at all times.

They also reminded the public of the regulations in place to deal with the covid19 pandemic.