Alabama Fireworks Law Preempts Municipal Sales Bans

Alabama Code Sections 8-17-210 through 8-17-228 establish a uniform statewide framework for fireworks. The State Fire Marshal licenses manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and retailers. Permitted consumer fireworks include those classified as 1.4G under federal regulations. Municipalities may regulate the discharge of fireworks within city limits and impose reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions, but cannot prohibit licensed retail sales of fireworks legal under state law. Sellers must obtain a state permit, follow storage and signage requirements, and only sell to persons 16 years or older.

Violating fireworks licensing or sales requirements is a Class B misdemeanor punishable by up to six months jail and fines up to $3,000, plus license revocation.