St. Charles County Council on Monday (Oct 1, 2007) night voted 4-3 against tighter controls on the sales and use of fireworks in the county's unincorporated areas around the Fourth of July.

Council Chairman Dan Foust, R-6th District, had proposed trimming the period for sales to 11 days from 17 days and for usage to four days from five days. He also suggested banning bottle rockets and other rockets and missiles while continuing to allow firecrackers and other items.

The council at a work session voted against further discussion of the idea. Foust had suggested the changes after the recent passage of a similar measure in St. Charles. Most council members voting no said they wanted to see how the St. Charles measure works next year before considering any changes.

All fireworks are prohibited in most St. Charles County municipalities and other parts of the metro area.