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Opinion: New Westminster already has tough fireworks rules - we don't need a ban

Editor: I was disappointed to read in the Nov. 12 New Westminster Record that the drums are starting to beat for changing the fireworks bylaw in favour of banning fireworks in this city.
fireworks
Anyone buying fireworks in the city of Vancouver must be at least 19 years old and have a permit. Fireworks can only be sold or purchased between Oct. 25 and 31. Photo Dan Toulgoet

Editor:

I was disappointed to read in the Nov. 12 New Westminster Record that the drums are starting to beat for changing the fireworks bylaw in favour of banning fireworks in this city.

So many people enjoy Halloween and, yes, fireworks are part of the fun. Do I expect the fire chief and mayor to be in favour of a firework ban? Yes, but citing that only six complaints were made after stating that it was a quiet night for first responders versus the hundreds of people who enjoy the night is not a compelling reason to tighten restrictions.

We do not always have to take Vancouver's lead and if it is the case that fireworks were let off outside the allowed hours of 4 p.m. and 12:01 a.m., I encourage the city to enforce the bylaw it already has in place before moving to a more restrictive policy.

Andrew King, New Westminster