BREAKING: Dewey Beach fireworks show cancelled

DEWEY BEACH, Del. – The Dewey Beach 4th of July fireworks show has been cancelled.

The event’s organizer, Alex Pires, made the announcement Tuesday night.

This announcement came after the Delaware Division of Small Business sent a letter to Pires, saying the event was in direct violation of the Governor’s order.

In the letter, the DSB said under the 21st modification to Delaware’s State of Emergency, all social, community, recreational and leisure events of more than 250 people are prohibited. They said the purpose of this modification is to prevent, reduce the spread of, and suppress COVID-19 in Delaware.

The DSB said when they became aware of Pires’ plan to host the 4th of July fireworks show, it was clear to them that more than 250 people would be attending.

As part of the 21st modification to Delaware’s State of Emergency, anyone planning to host an event with more than 250 people attending would be required to submit a plan to the Division of Small Business at least seven days prior to the event. The DSB says Pires failed to submit this plan.

The DSB ended their letter to Pires by saying if he did not comply with the Governor’s order, it would be considered a criminal offense and he could face fines or even jail time as a result.