Fine for Illegal Fireworks is Up to $5K

D.C.P. Jones mentioned that the Belize Police Department has increased patrols nationwide, and officers will be on the lookout for illegal fireworks. He also noted that the fine for unauthorized use can be as high as five thousand dollars.

 

Bart Jones, Deputy Commissioner of Police

“We’ve been cracking down, our patrols will be out, especially during tonight and New Year’s Eve, old years, as they call it in some jurisdictions, to deal with that situation because we know that it will occur.  The fireworks persons are properly licensed, they would have to submit basic information as to who is going to discharge, where and the fire department must be informed. The law says that a fine of up to five thousand dollars could be charged and five dollars, in addition to the five thousand dollars, five dollars for every pound of firecrackers or illegal… even illegal fireworks.  If you brought in the fireworks and did not get a permit, then you could be charged up to five thousand dollars, plus five dollars for every pound that you are caught with.”

 

April Martinez

“And while you are patrolling, are you going to be looking for these things?”

 

Bart Jones

“Yes, we are going to be looking for it and because most of the times, sadly, kids are involved, police would just normally take them away and warn the parents, that kind of thing.”