Even with a statewide fireworks ban in place, customers are still buying fireworks from several stands around Colorado, including more than a half dozen in unincorporated Arapahoe County.
As they have been for several years, possession of fireworks and using fireworks are banned in Aurora this year. The fine for violating the ban runs from a minimum of $250 all the way to $999.
And last week, Gov. John Hickenlooper issued an executive order banning all use of fireworks across the state, including in unincorporated areas where some use was allowed in past years.
Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson said the bizarre mix is frustrating.
“It’s as or more confusing and frustrating than it’s ever been,” Robinson said.
Selling and possessing fireworks in Arapahoe County is legal, Robinson said, but using them isn’t.
To make that point clear, Robinson’s deputies have posted big red signs on every firework stand in the county, telling customers that they can buy fireworks, but they can’t use them.
At Pop, Bang Boom, Fireworks at East Florida Avenue and Parker Road, owner Steve Deden said the ban hasn’t damaged business.
Customers know about the ban, he said, but they either plan to ignore it or use the fireworks later in the year when the ban is lifted.
“I haven’t seen any confusion,” he said. “People know about the ban, but they don’t really care.”