Celebrations in a beachside California city will soon have to take place without an iconic, single-use party favour: balloons. The city council of Laguna Beach, about 50 miles southeast of Los Angeles, banned the sale and use of all types of balloons recently, citing their contribution to ocean litter as well as risks from potential fires when they hit power lines. Starting in 2024, people using balloons on public property or at city events could incur fines of up to $500 for each violation. (Balloons used solely within people’s homes are exempt.)