What You CAN and CAN’T Bring To The Esplanade on July 4th

The Mass State Police posted these 2 lists today. The first is a list of items that you are allowed to bring. The second is one of things you need to leave at home if you're planning to celebrate the 4th on The Esplanade in Boston next week.

From coolers to grills, tents to chairs... here's what is ok and not ok to bring to the festivities in Boston this year.

ALLOWED ITEMS
1. Pop up Tents/Canopies with no sides, maximum size 10' x 10'.
2. Blankets or tarps no bigger than 10' x 10'.
3. Folding/beach chairs only.
4. Coolers carried by shoulder strap or single handle (no wheels).

PROHIBITED ITEMS
1. Coolers on wheels.
2. Backpacks.
3. Firearms, weapons, sharp objects.
4. Fireworks.
5. Glass containers.
6. Cans.
7. Pre-mixed beverages.
8. Plastic containers over two liters and non-transparent plastic containers. All liquids must be carried in sealed, clear plastic containers two liters or smaller.
9. Grills, propane tanks, open flames.
11. Alcoholic beverages
12. Bicycles in the Oval and Island/Lagoon areas. (Bicycles are allowed throughout the rest of the venue but must not be left unattended. Bicycles attached or locked to fences, poles or other objects are subject to removal.
13. Drones/unmanned aerial vehicles.

Massachusetts State Police also ask you to report anything suspicious. You can text anything that seems off to you to 226787. In the message, first type MSPTIPS, a space, then start your message.

With the 4th of July weekend coming up, it's good to know the real deal in terms of Massachusetts law. Relying on your what your neighbor heard is risky. Are fireworks still illegal? What if you acquired them over state lines where they are legal? Can you really get jail time or will you just pay a fine.

This is the letter of the law from the City of Boston.

Yes, according to the Massachusetts Fireworks Law (MGL Chapter 148, S. 39 if you wanna look it up), it is illegal for private citizens to use, possess, or sell fireworks in Massachusetts.

They can't be brought in and used in Massachusetts.  The law prohibits "any article designed to produce a visible or audible effect." No matter where you got them.

At the very least confiscation of your fireworks.  That's mandatory for cops to take any fireworks you have left. But on the stiff end of the penalty spectrum, you can be fined up to $1,000 and even put in prison for up to a year.

No.  Statute says officers may make an arrest without a warrant. Just be polite and hand over the fireworks and hopefully you get an officer who appreciates your cooperation.

Generally, you'll pay a fine up to $100 and lose whatever fireworks you have left.

No. They are forfeited to the state.

Reach out to th eOffice of the State Fire Marshal. Their number is (978) 567-3380.