Sales explode in Georgia with new fireworks law

Residents who used to drive out of state to buy fireworks can now buy locally

BRUNSWICK, Ga. – Sales of fireworks are now legal in the state of Georgia, and the change is already making a splash as Georgia residents gear up for the Fourth of July weekend.

As of July 1, businesses can sell fireworks that were previously banned in the state, but retailers selling those fireworks need to be licensed by the state and pay licensing fees.

The licenses cost $5,000 for each retail store.

Mike Aubin, a fireworks lover himself, said he's waited years for this day to come and jumped at the chance to open his own store.

He obtained a licenses for his store, Pyro Mike's Fireworks, in Brunswick and opened for business Wednesday.

"With the state law just getting passed, there's been so much stuff to do in a month, because, literally, I had a month to get everything going," Aubin said.

Fully stocked with everything a fireworks lover could want, Aubin's store is ready for the July 4 rush.

"Firecrackers, we haven't had them for quite a while in Georgia, so everybody's happy about them," Aubin said. "You get over here in the bigger stuff and of course the price goes up."

Aubin isn't the only one excited about the new law.

Customers were lined up Wednesday, waiting to get their hands on the merchandise.

"We'd spend, on average with the family, we'd spend probably two grand to three grand a year putting on a big fireworks show and the Fourth of July cookout and everything, but we'd have to go to Carolina to get our fireworks, so we're excited to see it here," longtime Brunswick resident Richard Cason said.

Cason said he's relieved to be able to buy locally now, keeping his money in the state.

"I'm real happy," Cason said. "A lot of revenue for the county, the city, the state, and I'm excited that I don't have to drive to South Carolina to spend the money anymore."

Aubin said demand in the Brunswick area has been through the roof, with customers packed in since he opened the doors.

"This morning, you know, I had 30 people lined up (on my) first day," Aubin said. "It's 9 or 9:30 and people are lining up. That's good."

The new law came with a warning from state lawmakers for residents to be very careful and abide by all state and local laws when using fireworks in Georgia.