When you think about it, many laws would be completely unnecessary if people would just show some courtesy and common sense.

One of those laws, is Lawrence’s ordinance banning fireworks within in the city limits.

Tonight, Lawrence city commissioners are scheduled to hear a report on the difficulties police encounter when trying the enforce the fireworks ban, which has been in effect since 2002. Enforcement problems were one argument against the ban when it was being considered, and the report commissioners will receive tonight confirms the validity of that concern.

According to the report prepared by the Lawrence police, the city received 189 complaints about fireworks in 2013. Those complaints, however, resulted in little action. Police confiscated fireworks in 12 cases and issued just four citations for illegal fireworks use. Last year was not unusual; no more than four citations have been issued in any year since 2008.

The enforcement problems are obvious. By the time police arrive on the scene of a complaint, they may not even find any fireworks, let alone be able to positively identify the person who was firing them. If they tried to commit enough time to boost enforcement of the ban, police say, they would be unable to adequately respond to the increased number of calls they expect involving “fights, domestic disturbances, alcohol offenses and other volatile situations associated with individuals in a celebratory mood.” (None of those sound like a great way to celebrate the holiday, but that’s another discussion.)

The bottom line is that, as expected, it’s almost impossible to really enforce the city’s fireworks ban, especially when fireworks are legal in the unincorporated portions of Douglas County and are readily available for purchase just outside the city limits.

Even though Lawrence residents are unlikely to be cited, the ordinance should be a reminder to use some common sense to avoid potential fireworks dangers such as fires and injuries. They also should show some common courtesy to their neighbors by restricting their fireworks to times and places that will not cause a disturbance. That means keeping them on their own property — not in the street or a public area — and shooting them at a reasonable hour — not after about 11 p.m.

City commissioners will decide whether they want to take additional steps to enforce the fireworks ban, but its unlikely any effort will significantly boost the number of citations or lessen the amount of fireworks being set off. Having the ban in place may curb fireworks usage by people who like to obey the law. For the rest of the celebrants, maybe the ban will at least remind them to show some common sense and courtesy to keep injuries to a minimum and keep peace with the neighbors.