Story Created:
Jun 30, 2009 at 11:06 AM AKST
Story Updated:
Jun 30, 2009 at 11:06 AM AKST
The City of Houston in the valley has limited the number of fireworks stands to just four. The problem is, there are already four stands and they are all owned by Robert Hall and his family. This means that the nearest fireworks competitors are in Valdez and Glennallen. The city of Houston will raise the permit fees for fireworks stands and may increase the sales tax by two percent.
Halls says that he doesn't mind paying the extra taxes which last year totaled more than $17,000. He says that limiting the number of stands will help better manage the sale of the explosives. Previous competitors have sold fireworks illegally and even to children.
Current city laws limit the number of stands to one for every 3,000 residents so a new one could not be built until another 13,000 people move to Houston.
Hall plans to build new buildings whithin the next two years to help imrpove the look of Houston and appease city officials. This would also help employees who currently have to work outside.
