MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The Berkeley County Council heard feedback today on a proposed ordinance that would restrict the use of fireworks to specified hours during the New Year’s Eve and Independence Day holidays.
The meeting was attended by roughly 30 members of the public; the majority of those were owners of businesses that sale fireworks. Many business owners voiced their concerns about the proposal. Some said that the ordinance wouldn’t put an end to offenders who violate the county’s noise regulation.
The ordinance would be permit fireworks to be set off on Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m., on Jan.1 from 12 a.m. to 12:30 a.m., and on July 3 and 4 from 9 p.m. to 11:59 p.m.
A resident found guilty of violating the ordinance would be charged with a misdemeanor and face a $1,000 fine for each violation.
Timothy Jamison is the President of the West Virginia Fireworks association and he wishes for the council to work with firework retailers before action is made.
“There is an issue,” said Jamison. “But it can be solved as working together as a community not by simply just passing another law. “
Berkeley County legal counsel Norwood Bentley says the council heard the message from business owners but will also think about the community as a whole.
“This council is a business friendly council,” said Bentley. “But at the same time have a balance between the quality of life for the residents and the businesses.”
Bentley said that the ordinance has been tabled for now and will be discussed again next Thursday.