St. John’s is simply catching up with other jurisdictions when it comes to its new bylaw around the use of fireworks.

The rules, which come into effect on New Year’s Eve, limit personal fireworks to twice a year – on New Year’s Eve and Canada Day – between 7:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m.

They were triggered by repeated complaints about the upset and disruption caused by them being set off anywhere, anytime, without notice.

Councillor Maggie Burton says the city will mostly rely on residents to report incidents of non-compliance, which can result in a warning or a fine of up to $5,000.

She says there were “absolutely none,” noting the city responded to the numerous complaints they were hearing, and based the new bylaw on similar ones in neighbouring municipalities such as Paradise and Mount Pearl.

Special Events approval will be required for the use of fireworks other than on the days specified.