Small fireworks displays may make a return to weddings and theatrical productions after the ACT Government announced a partial backdown on an increase to firecracker display permit fees.
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The Chamber of Commerce last month claimed that some small businesses would be pushed to the wall by an increased the price of fireworks and explosives permits.
The changes included an increase in fireworks display permit fees from $18 to $989, leading to the cancellation of some displays.
Attorney-General Simon Corbell said on Wednesday that the Government had revised the fees for fireworks display to introduce a tier-based structure.
Display permit fees would range from $205 to $989, depending on the size of the event and whether the operator was licensed or unlicensed.
“After these fee increases were announced, there were some concerns in the community and industry that firework display permits would be too expensive, especially for smaller events,” Mr Corbell said.
“I have listened to those concerns and now decided to use a tier-based fee structure, rather than everyone paying the increased flat rate regardless of the size and scope of the event where the fireworks will be displayed.”
But there would still be substantial increased in many other explosives-related fees.
Chamber of Commerce managing director Andrew Blyth welcomed the Government’s decision to introduce a tiered system of fees for fireworks permits.
