The UK Government has announced a 12-week consultation on fireworks regulation, proposing to restrict public access to the loudest fireworks amid growing concerns about their impact on communities and animals.
Consultation details and proposals
Consumer protection minister Kate Dearden acknowledged that millions of people enjoy fireworks responsibly during cultural, religious and community celebrations. However, she recognised concerns raised by charities, politicians and the public regarding the effects of fireworks.
Ms Dearden said: "Many people have been in touch with me to share their own experience of how fireworks have affected them, their family, their animals, or their wider community. I am grateful to them for taking the time to set out their concerns."
She added: "These accounts add valuable context alongside the data provided by local authorities, emergency services, animal welfare organisations and the fireworks industry."
Focus on noise levels and antisocial behaviour
The consultation puts forward reforms to current fireworks legislation, focusing on noise levels from non-professional fireworks displays and the role of fireworks in antisocial behaviour, "whilst continuing to allow people to enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly, including as part of important community and cultural celebrations".
The consultation will examine evidence and perspectives on proposals to limit public access to the loudest fireworks, with higher-decibel products reserved exclusively for professional operators. Additional proposals would expand the catalogue of prohibited pyrotechnic items and examine the rules governing fireworks and pyrotechnic products presently categorised as lower risk.
Next steps
Ms Dearden explained that the feedback and evidence collected would be utilised to enhance the proposals, "making sure that we keep public safety, and the impact on people, animals and property, central to this work". The consultation will run for 12 weeks.
