Beijing residents shopping fireworks at a vending site during the Spring Festival in 2014 (Photo/chinanews.com)
(ECNS) -- The safety supervision authority of Beijing announced on Tuesday that sales of firework will be banned during the upcoming lunar New Year in the event of an orange or red alert for heavy smog.
According to the authority, fireworks will be available at vending sites across the city for 10 days from February 3, 2016. Remaining stocks after that period will be put back in storage by February 18.
The city will cut the number of vending sites in the urban area, especially within the 3rd Ring Road. Venders must pass a safety test and present their business licenses before applying for a franchise by January 19.
Fireworks has long been part of the Chinese New Year celebration, yet was banned in the early 1990s across the country due to safety concerns. Beijing lift the ban in 2005 amid public calls on bringing back the tradition.
