§ 16-8. Pyrotechnics or fireworks.

(a)

The provisions of R.S. 51:650, as amended, setting forth definitions; R.S. 51:651, as amended, regulating the sale or use of permissible pyrotechnics or fireworks; R.S. 51:651.1, as amended, regulating the possession, sale or use of certain pyrotechnics or fireworks; and R.S. 51:654, as amended, prohibiting the sale of pyrotechnics or firecrackers to children under 15 years of age or to intoxicated persons or to irresponsible persons such as persons with mental handicaps, prohibiting the discharge of pyrotechnics or fireworks within 1,000 feet of any church, asylum, school or public building, prohibiting the discharge of pyrotechnics or fireworks within a motor vehicle or the throwing of ignited pyrotechnics or fireworks from a motor vehicle; and prohibiting any minor under the age of 17 years from being employed in a facility where fireworks are sold at retail without a work permit issued by the parish school superintendent.

(b)

Excepting for pyrotechnic or firework displays specifically approved by the State of Louisiana, the Parish of Tangipahoa's council-president government and/or other subdivision of state or local government, the sale, usage and/or possession of pyrotechnics or fireworks is prohibited on all public property, specifically including but not limited to the grounds surrounding federal, state and local governmental buildings, the United States Post Offices, public parks and playgrounds, the rights-of-way of all public roads and highways, public schools and hospitals. [Nothing herein is intended to in any way conflict with the criminal code prohibition of R.S. 14:311 prohibiting the discharge of pyrotechnics or fireworks within 1,000 feet of a hospital.]

(c)

The sale or usage of legal pyrotechnics or fireworks on private property in Tangipahoa Parish, Louisiana is specifically authorized herein.

(d)

All public displays of pyrotechnics or firecrackers shall meet the requirements of the laws of the State of Louisiana, specifically including but not limited to the requirements of R.S. 51:655.

(e)

It shall be unlawful to sell, construct or manufacture any items of pyrotechnics or fireworks without first obtaining the required permits from the State of Louisiana, specifically the Louisiana State Fire Marshal, and from the Parish of Tangipahoa, specifically Tangipahoa Parish Sheriff's Office.

(f)

Whoever violates any portion of this section by any act or omission is subject to the general penalty provisions of section 1-13 of the Code, being a misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to 30 days in the parish jail or a fine of up to $500.00 or both.

(Code 1975, § 15:3; Ord. No. 15-1999, 7-12-99)