The Houston City Council will consider at a special meeting April 27 whether to allow firework sales inside the city limits.
Morgan Patterson, a local business owner, asked city council members on Monday if they could review an ordinance banning the sale of fireworks in Houston.
The current city ordinances make it “unlawful for any merchant to purchase, sell or offer for sale, any fireworks of a combustible or explosive nature.” Mayor Sam Kelley stated that the ordinance has been in place since 1953, but that he is unsure of the reason.
Patterson cited several surrounding cities that allow the sale of fireworks within city limits, with safety precautions, including Cabool. Fire Chief Robbie Smith is not opposed to the idea, according to Patterson, but he would prefer more information.
Retailers like Walmart sell noncombustible fireworks such as snappers, and several individuals and organizations sell combustible fireworks within a few miles of the city limits. Patterson believes that allowing these fireworks to be sold within city limits will increase sales tax revenue for the city and bring individuals into town to do business.
“I don’t know why not,” said Ward I Alderman Fred Stottlemyre. “I’m sure there are some stipulations we’d have to look at.”
Larry Tyrrell, city attorney and a Mountain Grove resident, said that his hometown, which allows sales, hasn’t had any issues as far as he is aware.
City officials made it clear that any discussion would be concerning the sale of fireworks, but not changing the ability to set off fireworks within city limits, which is unlawful without a permit. The meeting will take place at 5:30 p.m. at city hall.
