
As we draw close to Bonfire Night, each year we
see unfortunate images of accidents caused by fireworks, or people complaining
about nuisance fireworks. Whilst accidents and injuries aren't as commonplace
as some of the media and anti-fireworks groups would have you believe, each and
everyone is terrible to see and distressing for everyone involved. So we
thought we'd take time to advise you of the legislation around the setting off
of fireworks to hopefully appease people and prevent any nuisance complaints,
and also remind people of the firework code to hopefully ensure everyone has a
safe and enjoyable experience with their fireworks.
We will also link in this blog to the relevant
safety and legal website for more clarification if required. Please note all
information quoted we believe to be correct at the writing of this post, if you need any further information or clarification, please visit the sites referenced in this Blog or do your own research. We will be happy to amend or alter any information proven to be incorrect within this post. There are different
laws in place now for the devolved countries specifically Scotland and Northern
Ireland.
Firework Legislation
- It is against the law to carry fireworks in public
if you are under the age of 18, it is also a criminal offence to buy, or for a
retailer to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 Link here...
- It is an offence to let off fireworks between the
hours of 11 pm and 7 am, with the following exceptions to the cut-off time of
11 pm. Bonfire Night 12 pm, New Years' Eve, Diwali, Chinese New Year 1 am.
- It is an offence under the Explosives Act 1875
to tamper with or modify fireworks
- If you want to buy, possess and use fireworks
(except indoor fireworks and sparklers) in Northern Ireland you must have a
valid Firework License.
- NEW Scottish legislation means it is now illegal to
set off fireworks before 6 pm and after 11 pm - with the following exceptions
to the cut-off time of 11 pm. Bonfire Night 12 pm, New Years' Eve, Diwali,
Chinese New Year 1 am, customers are also restricted to buying 5kg NEC at any
one time. Please note Scotland passed on 29th June 2022 the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic
Articles (Scotland) Bill that will introduce in 2023 the requirement of a
license to purchase and let off fireworks. It is also implementing "no
firework zones" whereby the use of fireworks is banned. Please note, this
ONLY applies to Scotland and NOT England and Wales. Link here...
- It is a criminal offence to set off
fireworks, flares or smoke bombs at any sporting event.
- It is a criminal offence for a member of the
public to possess or fire a Category 4 firework, these can only be used by
professional companies with all the relevant paperwork.
Firework Safety
Only adults should deal with setting up firework displays, the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used (and remember, alcohol and fireworks don't mix!). Children and young people should be supervised, and watch and enjoy fireworks at a safe distance. Follow these top tips for a safer fireworks party: For more information please visit the ROSPA website. Link here....
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and check the time you can legally set off fireworks
- In England, Scotland and Wales only buy fireworks which carry the CE or UKCA marks. In the case of Northern Ireland look for the CE symbol. You may also see the UKNI mark along with the CE symbol. Keep your fireworks in a closed box, and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each
firework using a torch if necessary
- Light the firework at arm's length with a
taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away
from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been
lit
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw
them
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from
spectators
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
- Make sure that the fire is out and the surroundings are made safe before leaving
Sparkler Safety
Sparklers are often viewed as harmless and we all love a
sparkler, but they burn at such a high temperature that there are probably more
accidents due to sparklers than any other firework. So please follow these
steps.
- Sparklers have a minimum age for use of 5
- Make sure everyone using sparklers wears gloves
- Hold sparklers at arm's length while being lit and only
light one sparkler at a time
- Don’t wave sparklers about near other people
- NEVER hold a baby in your arms while holding a sparkler
- Keep a bucket of water handy for spent sparklers
We hope that everyone has a safe and enjoyable fireworks party. Whilst the above information is meant to be informative and helpful, common sense also plays a part in it.
So please be safe, be considerate and in a year of doom and gloom, let's have some fun.