Should Connecticut Allow the Sale of Fireworks?

Fourth of July weekend is upon us which means parades, barbecues and of course - fireworks. With the exception of fountains and sparklers, fireworks are illegal in Connecticut, according to state police. Furthermore transporting fireworks across state lines into Connecticut can result in a fine of up to $1,000.

According to a report from the Consumer Product Safety Commission, 11 deaths resulted from the use of fireworks last year, and approximately 11,900 people went to the hospital with firework-related injuries.

Patch asked readers and Facebook users across the state if they thought these rules and guidelines were fair, and whether Connecticut should allow fireworks to be sold.

Here's what your neighbors and fellow Patch readers told us:

• "Yes of course. Don't continue to try to suppress people's freedom." - New Canaan
• "The small ones sold everywhere - yes. The big ones people drive to other states for, you know, the ones that injure people and property in the hands of amateurs - no." - Enfield
• "Yeeeeeeeessssssss!" - Manchester
• "NO. Too dangerous and noisy at all hours of the night for several days." - Middletown
• Of course! This is still America, right?" - Mansfield-Storrs
• "I'm surprised they haven't yet to get the tax money. They tax everything else." - Milford
• "Yes, but only at a certain age." - Newtown
• "Legalize fireworks and collect revenue from the taxes, legalize marijuana and collect revenue from the taxes. This is too simple to figure out." - Tolland

Wherever you stand on the issue, the National Fire Protection Agency cautions the public, "to avoid the use of consumer fireworks and instead, to enjoy displays of fireworks conducted by trained professionals." The complete list of local fireworks shows can be found on Patch's 2016 Connecticut Fireworks Guide.