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In a bid to have no fireworks lit over the festive season- George Municipality has further raided a further 241 shops confiscating and fining owners for having possession of fireworks.
The municipality has strict firework legislation and a Bylaw on Community Safety, that says no person may discharge fireworks outside of a designated Fire Works Area.
No Fire Works area has been made available in George and someone caught discharging a firework, a flare or lighting a Chinese lantern is liable to a fine of R1000 is applicable as well as a potential charge of arson.
On Friday, five shop owners were fined a total of R7500 for having fireworks in their possession worth R1700.
Municipal spokesperson, Debra Sauer, says the law enforcement Officers will clamp down on Thembalethu, Rosedale and New Dawn Park
She says Law Enforcement official, Ashley Joseph, has also visited 14 shops in the Uniondale area and handed out posters.
She says the municipality will firmly enforce the applicable by-laws and additional Law Enforcement officers will be deployed at various areas and beaches over the festive season to attend to fireworks complaints.
“ This will hopefully assist in reducing the noise levels and allow people (and their pets) to plan for “noisy” periods thus allowing for a quieter, safer environment for all concerned.
“For some pets, especially dogs and cats with particularly noise-sensitive ears, the sound of fireworks can cause intense fear responses,” she added.
