Santa Maria to introduce lottery system for Safe and Sane fireworks sales

Changes are coming to the way Fourth of July fireworks are sold in Santa Maria.

The city is launching a new lottery system for booth permits to sell Safe and Sane fireworks beginning July 4, 2020.

City officials say the goal is to make sure all nonprofit organizations have an equal chance of getting a permit. Selling fireworks at the booths is a major fundraising opportunity for nonprofit groups.

According to the city, a lot of other California cities already use a lottery system, so Santa Maria will model its program based on other successful lottery programs.

The Santa Maria Fire Department and the Recreation and Parks Department will oversee the lottery system and issue permits for fireworks.

A public meeting will be held on Thursday, November 7 at 6 p.m. at the Minami Center so nonprofits can learn about the requirements for the new lottery system.

The city says the following criteria must be met for groups to be considered:

Primary offices of the nonprofit must be located within the City of Santa Maria
Nonprofit must possess and provide proof of 501 (c)(3) tax exempt status
Nonprofits must be in good standing with all local regulatory agencies
Attendance at the Thursday, November 7th meeting

Fireworks are illegal throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties except in nine cities that allow for Safe and Sane fireworks sales, which includes Santa Maria.

KEYT 2019