Long Beach City Council Considers Raising Maximum Fine For Fireworks Offenses

LONG BEACH, NY — The Long Beach City Council has released its agenda for Tuesday’s council meeting, and the first item scheduled for public hearing would introduce a steeper penalty for violators of the city’s fireworks law.

Under current city code, Long Beach prohibits the setting off or sale of fireworks, rockets, torpedoes and roman candles in the city. There is an exception carved out that allows the city to permit public fireworks displays “by properly authorized individuals,” provided that display is deemed to “not be hazardous to surrounding property or any danger to any person.”

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That code has been backed by a fine of up to $250 per day for violators, but a new proposal could change that. Under a proposed change to the fireworks ordinance, the language covering fireworks fines would change from “not less than five dollars ($5.00), nor more than two hundred fifty dollars ($250.00) for each day's violation,” to not “more than fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000.00) for each violation, or imprisonment for not more than fifteen (15) days, or both.”

The exact fine or imprisonment handed down would remain at a judge’s discretion, city officials said, but the maximum penalties would change. A public hearing on the proposed ordinance is scheduled for Tuesday.

Also up for public hearing Tuesday are an ordinance that would regulate the use of e-bikes and e-scooters in the city, a local law updating the city's environmental review process for buildings, and ordinances covering vehicles for hire and Ocean Beach day passes.