Last year, Iowa passed a law allowing licensed retailers to sell consumer-grade fireworks in the state. Although the law is in effect, Iowa City still bans fireworks, along with neighboring towns Coralville and North Liberty.

The use of fireworks in Iowa City can cost a person a $250 fine. An amendment to the city code in 2017 limits the sale of fireworks to industrialized zones as well.

Travis Allen, who runs the family-owned Sundown Fireworks in Williamsburg, Iowa, said the laws might affect business.

“It’s kind of hard to tell if business is affected by these laws right now, but it does feel a little different from last year,” he said.

His family opened the store in June 2017, when they were first allowed to sell fireworks, but he noted that his wife’s family has been in the business since the 1940s.

He doesn’t agree with banning fireworks in certain towns if the state law allows it, he said.

“People might be safer if they don’t have to hide what they are doing,” Allen said.

There are more bounce-house accidents each year than there are firework accidents, he contended. Many people might have misconceptions about the dangers of fireworks, he said, but most people know how to use them responsibly.

Iowa’s law allows vendors to sell fireworks from June 1 to July 8 and Dec. 10 to Jan. 3.

— Sara Avalos