Surrey business fined after $100K worth of fireworks seized: city
Posted October 31, 2023 7:44 am.
Last Updated October 31, 2023 7:45 am.
Mounties in Surrey seized $100,000 worth of illegal fireworks from a single business just before Halloween, according to the city.
In a statement Monday, officials say bylaw officers identified that pyrotechnics were being sold at the particular location after they “conducted online and social media searches for sellers of fireworks in Surrey.”
When officers arrived at the business, they reportedly “observed several shelves” stocked. The fireworks were seized by the RCMP, and “municipal tickets” were issued to the employer and two employees.
The city notes fireworks are not allowed to be sold or discharged without a valid permit from the local fire department, as well as a Federal Fireworks Operator Certification.
Anyone found in contravention of the rules could face fines of up to $5,000 in addition to licence suspensions. It’s not clear how much the business owner in this specific incident was penalized.
“It took four pick-up trucks and a minivan to transport the illegal items found at this single location,” said Mayor Brenda Locke.
“A seizure of this size will surely reduce injuries related to the use of fireworks and firecrackers, as well as alleviate the nuisance noise complaints.”
Locke notes bylaw officers will be out Tuesday night to enforce the city’s fireworks bylaws. The city says fireworks complaints can be made by calling 604-591-4370.
