Clear Lake fireworks saleswoman cited after police say fireworks were sold to minor

CLEAR LAKE — A Northern Iowa fireworks employee was cited Tuesday after Clear Lake police say fireworks were sold to a minor during compliance checks ahead of the Fourth of July holiday.

The Clear Lake Police Department said officers conducted compliance checks on June 30, 2026, at all retail fireworks businesses in Clear Lake.

As a result, Gladys Mercado of Meservey, an employee at Bellino Fireworks, 918 U.S. Highway 18 in Clear Lake, was cited for sale of fireworks to a minor.

The charge is a simple misdemeanor punishable by a $250 fine, according to police.

The Clear Lake Police Department said the checks are part of an effort to enforce state and local fireworks rules during one of the busiest fireworks sales periods of the year.

Police reminded residents and businesses that selling fireworks to minors is illegal and unsafe.

Clear Lake police also reminded residents that fireworks use is limited inside Clear Lake and Ventura. Fireworks may be used in those communities on July 3 until 10:00 PM and on July 4 until 11:00 PM.

Fireworks may only be used on private property with permission from the property owner. Police said fireworks are not allowed in city parks, on city streets, in alleys or in parking lots.

Authorities urged anyone using fireworks to do so safely, away from buildings and people. Police also advised residents to keep a fire extinguisher nearby, clean up debris and douse used fireworks with water.

The Clear Lake Police Department said officers will continue spot checks at licensed establishments in the community and will enforce violations of state and local fireworks ordinances.

A criminal charge is merely an accusation. Mercado is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.