Just a few days away from Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá reiterated the total ban on the sale and use of gunpowder and fireworks by unauthorized persons in the Colombian capital, and highlighted the sanctions that will be applied to those who do not comply. Anyone who fails to comply with this rule will face a significant penalty. How much are the fines for this action?
• Parents or responsible adults of minors who are burned will face legal and administrative actions.
• Persons or establishments that sell gunpowder without the requirements established by the law. They will receive a fine that amounts to 693,333 pesos.
• Besides, Businesses that do not have the appropriate permits may be suspended for 10 days. or, in cases of recidivism, receive a permanent suspension.
• If the sale occurs in public space, In addition to the fines, the supplies will be confiscated and immediately destroyed.
• During the course of December, the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá and the Government Secretariat They will carry out control inspections in the 20 locations of the Colombian capital.
• The Mayor’s Office established line 123 so that all citizens can report those who violate the rule.
(Further: What is the salary that an engineer from Colombia can earn?)
It is important to highlight that, in addition to the economic sanctions, the suspension and confiscation that are contemplated to be applied to establishments that sell gunpowder or pyrotechnic devices, Parents or responsible adults of children who are burned or injured by improper use will receive criminal and administrative sanctions.
As part of the campaign against the sale and use of gunpowder and fireworks, the Mayor’s Office of Bogotá launched a campaign and established line 123 so that citizens can report those who violate the rule.
(READ: What was Carulla called before in Colombia and who is its owner?)
The use of gunpowder affects children’s health
Gunpowder burns
Source: IStock
The misuse of gunpowder and fireworks can have a significant impact on children’s health, both physically and emotionally.
Below are some of the main risks:
• Physical injuries: Children are particularly vulnerable to burns, wounds or amputations caused by handling or proximity to explosives. Injuries to the hands, eyes, and face are common and, in some cases, may be permanent or require complex surgeries.
• Respiratory effects: Burning gunpowder generates fine particles, toxic gases and smoke that can irritate the airways, especially in children with asthma or other lung conditions. Exposure to these pollutants can trigger respiratory crises and other health problems.
• Emotional impact: Excessive noise and explosions can cause fear, anxiety or sleep disorders in children, especially those who are younger or have conditions such as autism.
• Hearing risks: The noise levels generated by fireworks often exceed recommended limits, which can cause temporary or even permanent hearing damage in children.
With the objective of guaranteeing the fundamental rights to life, physical integrity, health and recreation of all inhabitants, and especially children and adolescents, the Government of Colombia regulated through the Decree 2174 of 2023 Law 2224, which establishes the requirements for the use, manufacture, handling, transportation, storage, marketing, purchase and sale of gunpowder and pyrotechnic products throughout the national territory.
