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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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