State fireworks law still confusion

When Georgia's newest batch of laws went into effect, we noted that Columbia County's smoking ban and the state's new smoking law are sure to cause confusion - and called for the county to repeal its rules, or for the state to toughen its law to match the county. One rule is enough.

As revelers celebrate Independence Day in border counties like ours, they'll see the obvious signs of another conflicting law.

While Georgia law now allows sparklers, the state is still far more restrictive on fireworks than any other state on its borders.

It's impossible not to notice in our area, because South Carolina's laws allow almost all fireworks - and there are plenty of roads crossing the border.

The result is that Georgia continues to look silly as it restricts readily available merchandise whose illegal use is rarely sanctioned by local law enforcement.

To change it, cops should really crack down. Fining a handful of firecracker rebels might just result in enough noise that lawmakers would get Georgia in line with its neighbors.

Meanwhile, the best place to enjoy holiday fireworks is at Patriots Park. There's no confusion over whether that's legal.