Residents From New York & New Jersey Flock To Pennsylvania To Buy Fireworks
MARSHALLS CREEK, Pa. (CBSNewYork) -- Every year leading up to the Fourth of July, there is a rush to buy fireworks out of state. This year is no different.
An 18-year-old from Yonkers and his father -- who wouldn't reveal their names -- said Tuesday that this July 4 will be a blast.
They both drove just over the Pennsylvania state line to a fireworks outlet in Marshalls Creek, which caters to out-of-state residents searching for a fireworks fix.
"Having a barbecue, and we're gonna surprise our guests with a little fireworks show," the teen told CBS 2's Derricke Dennis. "We take all the precautions to have a safe Fourth of July."
The catch is that all of the fireworks are illegal to possess, sell or transport without a permit in New York and New Jersey.
"I know it's dangerous, but with proper supervision, I think it could be done right," the teen's father said.
The parking lot at the outlet was filled with New Jersey and New York license plates. The owner of the business said buying there was perfectly legal by Pennsylvania state law.
"We are licensed by the Department of Agriculture to sell fireworks to people that are going to transport them out of the Commonwealth," said Ken Schuchman, owner of the outlet.
"We caution them to do what they need to do, but that's not really our responsibility," he said.
Schuchman estimated that 75 percent of his business is from New York and New Jersey residents.
The father and son that Dennis met said legal or not, they'll go on with their Fourth of July fireworks plans -- choosing to cash and carry at their own risk.
In New York and New Jersey, fireworks possession is a misdemeanor offense. However, possession with the intent to sell could mean 18 months in prison and fines of up to $10,000.
Do you think New York and New Jersey should relax their fireworks laws? Please offer your thoughts in the comments section below.
