93kChanges to Minnesota Statute 624.20 allow for the public sale, possession and use of a limited number of, but not all, consumer fireworks. Read the Hopkins City Code 1150 for more information.
Summary of Changes to Minnesota Fireworks Laws
- Sale, possession and use of some non-explosive and non-aerial consumer fireworks is now permitted in Minnesota on or after April 30, 2002. Examples include items such as sparklers, cones and tubes that emit sparks, novelty items like snakes, and party poppers. Loud or shooting devices such as firecrackers and roman candles are still not allowed. For a complete list, see the table available from the State Fire Marshal's office.
These consumer fireworks may not be used on public property (i.e. parks, roads, alleys, schools, government property etc.). - Purchasers of these fireworks must be at least 18 years old. Retailers need to check photo identification.
- Sale, possession and use may occur at any time during the year.
The City of Hopkins does have a requirement for permits to sell these consumer fireworks. Storage and retail displays must conform with the Minnesota State Fire Code.
What Requirements Have Not Changed
- Explosive and aerial fireworks are still prohibited for public sale, possession and use. Prohibited fireworks include firecrackers, bottle rockets, missiles, roman candles, mortars and shells.
- Requirements for "public" display fireworks and certification for their use remain unchanged.
Sale of Fireworks
Effective February 13, 2003, selling fireworks in Hopkins requires an annual license from the City Clerk. There will be a inspection done to be sure the premises meets the following requirements.
- The licensed premises must be a permanent building, located in an area that is zoned as a business district, which contains no residential units. No exterior storage, display, sales or transient sales of fireworks are permitted.
- The license must be publicly displayed on the premises.
- The premises are subject to inspection by City employees including police officers during normal business hours.
- The premises must be in compliance with the State Building and Fire Codes.
- In buildings without an approved automatic sprinkler system, retail consumer fireworks sales displays shall be limited to fifty (50) lbs. net pyrotechnic composition or two hundred (200) lbs. gross weight, if the pyrotechnic composition weight is not known. The total quantity of consumer fireworks stored on the property shall not exceed 500 pounds.
- Buildings protected throughout by an approved automatic sprinkler system retail consumer fireworks sales displays shall be limited to one hundred (100) lbs. net or four hundred (400) lbs. gross weight if the pyrotechnic composition weight is not known. The total quantity of consumer fireworks stored on the property shall not exceed 1,000 pounds.
- Consumer fireworks shall not be sold to persons under the age of 18.
- Smoking shall not be permitted in any building or tenant space where fireworks are stored or sold. Signs shall be displayed stating "no smoking" in red letters not less than two (2) inches in height on white background. All signs shall be maintained in legible condition. Alternative signs are available from the Fire Marshal at no charge.
- Each permit holder shall have at least two fire extinguishers of not less than a 2a, 10b, c rating permanently mounted in approved locations.
- There shall be at least two (2) code compliant exits from all buildings from which fireworks are stored or sold. An approved exit cannot go through a storeroom and has to be openable from the inside without a key or special knowledge
- A list of all consumer fireworks displayed and stored on the property shall be available at all times. The list shall document the name, weight, and quantity of the fireworks and be accompanied by the material safety data sheets.