Firework regulations allow fireworks for home use to be sold during the traditional firework periods of Bonfire Night, New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali. Suppliers who wish to sell fireworks outside the traditional periods must comply with stringent conditions before being granted a licence by their local licensing authority. This means the availability and use of fireworks outside the traditional periods has been greatly reduced.
The Government has considered very closely the matter of a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public. All the evidence, however, is that the majority of people who enjoy fireworks are prepared to use them sensibly and responsibly on specific occasions. The Government, therefore, concluded that fireworks should not be banned for sale to, or use by, the general public.
While there are no plans at the moment to place further limitations on the use of fireworks, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) engaged with a wide range of views and developed an evidence base on the key issues that have been raised around fireworks including noise, as well as anti-social behaviour, non-compliance, environmental impact, and the impact on humans and animals.
Following the review by the OPSS, I understand that the Government remains committed to promoting the safe and considerate use of fireworks through the effective legislative framework and via non-legislative measures. Any further restrictions on fireworks sold to the public by retail outlets could lead to more individuals buying products through online sources or from outside the UK. Fireworks from these suppliers could be unsafe, where products may not meet the UK’s strict safety requirements.
Regarding the impact on animals, I am aware that there is a noise level limit of 120 decibels on fireworks for home use, which helps to reduce disturbance to animals. In addition, the Animal Welfare Act 2006 makes it an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals through the misuse of fireworks.
Finally, as I know this is a matter of concern to my constituents, I have raised this issue with the Minister, and I will upload the Minister’s response once we receive it.