Fireworks illuminate San Joaquin River in Antioch, Calif., on July 4, 2022. Bay Area residents are urged to skip wood burning and fireworks to maintain moderate air quality over New Year’s.(Harika Maddala/ Bay City News / Catchlight Local)

People who attend illegal fireworks shows in San Mateo County would find themselves facing a fine, in addition to those who set off the fireworks, following a vote Tuesday by the county’s Board of Supervisors.

The board amended the county’s existing fireworks ordinance to make spectators of illegal fireworks subject to a fine of $500. Spectators are defined as anyone within 200 feet of an illegal fireworks discharge who is there to observe them. Repeat violators within 12 months of a prior citation would be fined $1,000.

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Eli covers public health, transportation and state politics for the Bay City News Foundation, serves as the main editor of the Public Health and COVID-19 Information Hub and assists with Local News Matters' social media strategy. He has also previously covered local politics in San Diego County as well as college and professional sports across the Bay Area.