How does someone who wants to start a fireworks display business get
proper licensing in Massachusetts?
What are the requirements, proceedure, forms, etc. for for obtaining
the proper authorization, licensing etc. to purchase and use fireworks
in the State of Massachusetts?
What sort of licensing, state and local, do the professional companies
have in order to do 4th of July displays?

Dear twis-ga;

Thank you for allowing me to answer your interesting question. In
order for one to obtain permission to hold a fireworks display in
Massachusetts one must first establish if there are local laws or
ordinances that prohibit such activity. If there are no such laws in
the jurisdiction in which the display is planned, one must file
insurance or a surety bond with the State Treasurer in the ?sum of
fifteen thousand dollars, and for such additional penal sum as the
marshal shall determine to be necessary to cover the losses, damages
or injuries that might ensue to persons or property?.

PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 
TITLE XX. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER 
CHAPTER 148. FIRE PREVENTION 
Chapter 148: Section 42. Displays or exhibits of fireworks; bonds
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/148-42.htm

Then one must seek approval of the display from the local ?board of
fire prevention regulations? (usually the local Fire Chief or Fire
Marshal). The request must be received by the local board in writing
at least fifteen days in advance of the date of the display. Approval
comes in the form of a permit that by law cannot exceed twenty-five
dollars.

PART I. ADMINISTRATION OF THE GOVERNMENT 
TITLE XX. PUBLIC SAFETY AND GOOD ORDER 
CHAPTER 148. FIRE PREVENTION 
Chapter 148: Section 39A. Regulations for permits for displays of fireworks; fees
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/148-39a.htm

The ?operator? of the display (that is presumably YOU) must also apply
for a license (called a ?Fireworks/Special Effects User's
Certificate?) from the State Fire Marshal and pay the required $40
fee. This license is good for two years:

STATE FIRE MARSHAL
http://www.state.ma.us/dfs/dfshome.htm

MASSACHUSETTS FIREWORKS LAWS
http://www.fireworks.com/fireworks_laws/laws_massachusetts.asp

In addition you can obtain all the information and forms necessary for
the application and licensure of such a display by contacting the
State Fire Marshal?s Office:

State Fire Marshal
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Department of Fire Services
P.O. Box 1625, State Road
Stow, MA 01775
(978) 567-3300
http://www.state.ma.us/dfs/dfshome.htm



I hope you find that my answer exceeds your expectations. If you have
any questions about my research please post a clarification request
prior to rating the answer. Otherwise I welcome your rating and your
final comments and I look forward to working with you again in the
near future. Thank you for bringing your question to us.

Best regards;
Tutuzdad-ga ? Google Answers Researcher



INFORMATION SOURCES

GENERAL LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS
CHAPTER 148. FIRE PREVENTION
http://www.mass.gov/legis/laws/mgl/gl-148-toc.htm

STATE FIRE MARSHAL?S ADVISORY
http://www.mass.gov/dfs/osfm/fireprevention/adv/av_firew_users_cert.htm

SEARCH STRATEGY


SEARCH ENGINE USED:

Google ://www.google.com


SEARCH TERMS USED:

MASSACHUSETTS

FIREWORKS

DISPLAY

LICENSE

PERMIT

BOARD

GENERAL LAWS OF MASSACHUSETTS