Sky lanterns (temporary) Ban in Australia
THE Federal Government has placed a temporary ban on sky lanterns. Consumer Affairs Minister Craig Emerson today (August 09) announced an 18-month ban on the supply and sale of the lanterns, also known as sky candles or fire balloons.
The paper lanterns use flammable liquid or a candle to produce hot air which inflates them and then sends them up into the sky.
While a popular part of many celebrations, Dr Emerson said they were also potentially dangerous.
"As we near what promises to be another severe bushfire season we need to remain wary of potential fire threats,'' he said.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission will further investigate the potential hazards associated with the use of sky lanterns during the temporary ban.
Dr Emerson said he would then decide whether or not to impose a permanent proscription on them.
Anyone supplying the sky lanterns faces an infringement notice of $1,000 or may be liable to prosecution where fines are $20,000 for an individual and $100,000 for a corporation.
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