A resolution requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to enforce the existing fireworks ordinance, and requesting the Nashville Fire Department to increase its efforts to educate the public about the dangers of fireworks and injury prevention when using fireworks.

WHEREAS, state and local law currently prohibits the sale and use of fireworks within Nashville and Davidson County due to safety concerns associated with the discharge of fireworks; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Charter provides that the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department is responsible for the enforcement of ordinances and state laws within the area of the Metropolitan Government; and

WHEREAS, although the discharge of fireworks can be heard and seen in neighborhoods throughout Davidson County during the week of the Fourth of July, very few citations are issued for violations of the fireworks ordinance; and

WHEREAS, citizens of Nashville and Davidson County are going to continue to choose to disregard the fireworks law, it is fitting and proper that the Police Department step up its enforcement of the fireworks ordinance, and that the Fire Department increase its efforts to educate the public about the dangers associated with fireworks and safety precautions that should be taken when handling fireworks; and

WHEREAS, such public education efforts could be in the form of public service announcements through local media outlets, the posting of information on the Metropolitan Government website, and the publication and distribution of informational brochures.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. That the Metropolitan County Council hereby goes on record as requesting the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department to enforce the existing fireworks ordinance, and requesting the Nashville Fire Department to increase its efforts to educate the public about the dangers of fireworks and injury prevention when using fireworks.

Section 2. The Metropolitan Clerk is directed to send a copy of this Resolution to Chief of Police Ronal Serpas and to Fire Chief Stephen Halford.

Section 3. That this resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of The Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Jason Hart, Jason Alexander