Community Corner
Fireworks Tents, Storefronts Sprout Widely Under New Michigan Law
Hundreds of local sellers peddle bottle rockets, Roman candles and other dazzlers for summer revelry.
Get set for a loud and lively fireworks season as dozens of new sales outlets take advantage of a relaxed state law in effect this year.
Now that consumers can buy airborne fireworks without leaving Michigan, more than 200 retail sales permits have been issued to temporary sites and stores around Metro Detroit, MLive Media Group reports. Macomb tops the list with 86 sellers, followed by Oakland (61), Wayne (70) and Livingston (38).
Some have colorful names–such as Thunderking in Rochester Hills, Red Dragon in Shelby Township and TNT Fireworks in Royal Oak. Others are generic tents, sprouting like carnivals as a sign of the season. Churches benefit from sales at sites in Royal Oak and White Lake.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
It became legal this year to sell bottle rockets, Roman candles and other flying devices to consumers. Legislators passed the change, which Gov. Rick Snyder signed last Dec. 13, to generate sales tax revenue and registration fees. Sellers pay $1,000 annually for a permanent site or $600 for a tent or other seasonal, outdoor location.
Cities and townships can’t block sales, and have limited power to restrict where and when individuals can light mini-explosives that whine, bang and boom. The new law bars municipalities from regulating fireworks use on federal holidays – such as July 4 – or the day right before and after.
Find out what's happening in Dearbornfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
So where can you get them in Dearborn?
The following list shows locations in the city that are approved by the state Bureau of Fire Services to sell fireworks this year from an existing business or temporary site. The application deadline was April 1. A searchable list of all 613 businesses statewide is at this Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs site.
Fireworks in Dearborn
- Telegraph Cigarette Station, 3965 Telegraph Rd. (store). Applicant: Kevin Bruce.
- V.I.P. Car Wash, 27275 Ford Rd., Dearborn Heights (store). Applicant: George Abousouan.
- Fun 4 All Trading, 13300 Ford Rd. (temporary). Applicant: Mohamad Hojeije.
- Unnamed tent, 18900 Michigan Ave. (temporary). Applicant: William Munaco.
- Unnamed tent, 22275 Michigan Ave. (temporary). Applicant: Yasir Kaskorkis.
