Councilors urge early public messaging after state moves up fireworks sales date

Council members discussed upcoming Independence Day fireworks and asked city staff to mount early public outreach reminding residents that possession and discharge of consumer fireworks remain illegal inside North Little Rock city limits.

"I know, generally, this time of year, we we throw our banners out, talking about, fireworks and how they're illegal in the in the city," Council member Baxter said. He told the council the state legislature had moved the earliest allowable retail sales date from June 20 to June 13 and suggested the city deploy banners or yard signs earlier to remind residents that possession and use remain prohibited inside city limits.

Mayor and staff clarified that the change in the state law affects when fireworks can be sold in eligible locations but does not legalize possession or use within the city. A city official said residents frequently purchase fireworks outside city limits and then use them inside the city, which remains illegal.

Council asked the police department to increase outreach and enforcement visibility; the chief said the department would respond to complaints and that officers receive calls from neighborhoods each year about fireworks. No ordinance change was proposed during the meeting.