The topic of fireworks is often a heated one. Some people believe they should be banned completely, while others think it is acceptable to use them on certain days. For Errol Aiken, a second-grade teacher from Las Vegas, Nevada, he has always been open to using fireworks. Of course, he only intends to purchase legal fireworks that have been officially approved.
Recently, he decided to buy some fireworks for his family’s Fourth of July celebration. He visited a store in Pahrump after receiving a coupon that offered a buy-one-get-one-free deal. Before making his purchase, he questioned the store staff about which fireworks were legal in his area. He made it clear that he was from Las Vegas and asked several times whether the items he selected were legal for someone from his area. The staff assured him that the fireworks were fine to buy.
It turns out they were not. About ten minutes after leaving the store, Aiken was pulled over by police. Officers immediately confiscated the fireworks and issued him a $500 fine. According to the officer, all fireworks were illegal in the county. That statement was not entirely true. Fireworks labeled as “Safe and Sane” are legal within Las Vegas, but there is a catch. Fireworks purchased from outside jurisdictions, even if they are marked as Safe and Sane, are considered illegal if they have not been tested and approved by Clark County officials.
The county has strict requirements for fireworks. They must not burn for too long, cannot fly higher than a foot, and should not shoot sparks too high into the air. Items sold in places like Pahrump, Amargosa Valley, and Moapa often do not meet these standards, even if labeled Safe and Sane.
Aiken was confused about how police managed to catch him so quickly. The officer explained that he had been under surveillance while shopping. He was surprised by this and pointed out that if officers were already watching him, they would have seen him repeatedly asking the staff whether the purchase was legal. He found it odd that no one stepped in before he left the store.
After the incident, the mood in Aiken’s family was dampened. He no longer wants anything to do with fireworks and described the entire experience as ridiculous and exhausting. Still, he tried to contact Phantom Fireworks and request a refund. The store refused, saying they were not liable for what happened after the purchase and that customers assume full responsibility once they sign the waiver and leave with the products.
Not ready to let the matter rest, Aiken filed complaints with the Nevada Attorney General, the Federal Trade Commission, and the Better Business Bureau. While he has already paid the $500 fine, he is also waiting for a hearing to contest the citation.
The response from internet users has been mixed. While some people sympathize with the Las Vegas man, others criticized him for even considering buying fireworks in the first place. One user commented, “A lot to unpack here. While the teacher did ask questions, the store clearly duped him. Someone should shut down these stores, but that’s a lot more difficult.”
