ELLSWORTH — Things have been explosive in Augusta these days, but at least one aspect of the pyrotechnics is welcome news to state officials.
And that is the revenue generated by the first year of legal fireworks sales in Maine.
The expectation was that fireworks stores would sell $2.5 million in recreational explosives, generating $120,000 in sales tax revenue.
The reality is owners of fireworks shops sold $7.6 million in product — virtually all of it made in China — to generate $380,000 in revenue.
That is based on figures for the 12-month period ending May 31.
The sale of fireworks had been illegal in Maine for more than six decades. Legislators last year repealed the ban instituted in 1949.
The law does limit the sale of fireworks to municipalities where they are approved and requires people to be 21 to purchase and use them.
Find in-depth coverage of local news in The Ellsworth American. Subscribe digitally or in print.
Jacqueline Weaver
Latest posts by Jacqueline Weaver (see all)
- In fashion - October 9, 2019
- Quimby makes plans to revive Ocean Wood Campground - September 6, 2019
- Blurred lines - September 4, 2019