Year-round sales of consumer fireworks and novelties, such as wire sparklers and party poppers, will be possible in Alabama, starting July 12, under Act No. 2021-399.

On May 13, Gov. Kay Ivey signed the legislation by Sen. Tim Melson, R-Florence, into law. Its provisions are effective 60 days later.

The law allows cities to opt out of allowing sales of sparkling devises and novelties in their jurisdictions. “A municipality may enact an ordinance further restricting the sale or use of sparkling devices or novelties,” the law states.  The State Fire Marshal is responsible for keeping a list of ordinances enacted by municipalities restricting the sale or use of sparkling devices or novelties.

Act No. 2021-399 increases various fees for fireworks vendors and users. The permit cost for both annual and seasonal retailers selling aerial devices, sparkling devices, audible ground devices and novelties will increase from $200 to $300. There also is a range of permit costs based on the type of fireworks sold. The law allows the State Fire Marshal to increase fees every five years based on the percentage increase in the Consumer Price Index for all urban consumers. The increase cannot exceed 2% annually.

The new law is expected to increase receipts to the State Fire Marshal’s Fund by an estimated $53,000 annually, according to its fiscal note.

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