NEWARK – The New Jersey State Police, in coordination with other law enforcement agencies, are patrolling the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border to monitor the illegal purchase of fireworks by New Jersey consumers, Attorney General Zulima V. Farber announced today.

As the July 4th holiday draws closer, the Attorney General reminded residents that the state’s Fireworks Regulation Law provides that it is unlawful for any person to offer for sale, sell, possess or use fireworks in New Jersey without a valid permit.

The Attorney General also announced that one billboard company agreed today to take down two billboards advertising the sale of fireworks by Pennsylvania retailers.

In its first day, the surveillance effort resulted in the issuance of 13 citations and the confiscation of approximately 600 pounds of fireworks valued at more than $3500.

“These surveillance activities represent our ongoing effort to ensure that New Jersey consumers and businesses alike follow the law prohibiting the sale, use or possession of fireworks,” Attorney General Farber said. “We take very seriously our responsibility of protecting the health and safety of New Jersey consumers and, in particular, our children.”

Earlier this week, the state filed suit against four Pennsylvania-based companies and one Virginia-based corporation for advertising and/or selling fireworks for use in New Jersey. The state alleged the companies are violating the Consumer Fraud Act by offering fireworks for sale to New Jersey consumers who are not allowed to use the fireworks without a permit.

The surveillance effort, which began on Wednesday, represents the second prong of the initiative against the illegal use of fireworks.

In this filing, the State also alleged that two outdoor billboard companies, Steen Industries and CBS Outdoor, violated the Consumer Fraud Act and Advertising Regulations for advertising the sale of fireworks in New Jersey by Sky King Fireworks and Phantom Fireworks. As a result of this filing, CBS Outdoor has agreed to remove two billboards on Route 78 in Hillside and Route 80 in Hackensack today.

“We will continue to hold New Jersey consumers and businesses accountable, and will be monitoring consumer activities at neighboring, out-of-state fireworks stores and stands in the days leading up to the 4th of July,” Attorney General Farber said.

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