New Law Changes How Fireworks are Sold at Warehouses
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ALAMO – There is a new amendment to the Texas Administrative Code that allows customers to handle fireworks before purchasing them.
Isabel Muniz is a grandmother. She said like many families, she and her family get together for big celebrations on the holidays.
The Fourth of July is one of their favorites. For years it's been a tradition to go firework shopping as a family.
"For the past 15 years, ever since my grandkids were small," Muniz said.
Muniz explained for years her family has shopped together for fireworks. She said the fireworks were always kept behind a counter. Only employees could handle the fireworks.
Muniz said she was surprised to see that counter was removed.
"At the last minute there is a lot of people going to go get fireworks and it's very convenient for us, like I said. It's all setup in their places and everything looks good," Muniz said.
Before this year, firework retailers did not allow customers to handle fireworks on their own. Under a new Texas Administrative Code ruling that is changing.
Firework warehouse employee Caitlan Gonzalez explained what this change means to their business.
"In the past, customers weren't allowed to come over here and touch the fireworks over here. There was a barrier, and the barrier allowed only us, the workers, to give them the fireworks. But in time, changes in March when the new law came that we are allowed to take down the barriers, so they are allowed to get whatever firework they want," Gonzalez said.
Gonzalez told CHANNEL 5 NEWS that firework retailers are still required to have enough staff on hand to assist customers and help ensure that fireworks stay out of the hands of children.
The amendment to the Texas Administrative Code does not allow for the removal of barriers at firework stands - only in warehouses.
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