Pollution control - noise - fireworks
Summary
Fireworks are widely used to mark public and private celebrations, as well as traditional events. While adding
to the excitement of the event, fireworks can also frighten and disturb people and animals. They may cause annoyance, damage
and impact on air quality.
Legislation has been introduced to help to make fireworks safer to use and to tackle deliberate misuse. It affects how fireworks are imported, sold and used and places restrictions on their possession. It means that fireworks will be safer, less noisy and can only be used at certain times.
As a consumer you, along with retailers have new responsibilities.
Further information
As from 1 January 2005, unless they have a special licence, suppliers must only sell fireworks during the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year.
You cannot set off fireworks between 11pm - 7am. The exceptions are:
- On 5 November they can be set off until midnight.
- New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year and Diwali they can be set off until 1am
The other exception is for the purpose of local authority firework displays, national public celebrations or national commemorative events.
- You must be over 18 to buy fireworks. The exceptions are:
- caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throw downs, where the legal age of purchase is 16.
- It is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in a street or public place.
- It is illegal for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in public.
Retailers must only sell fireworks that conform to British Safety Standards and meet certain noise conditions (they must have BS 7114 printed on the box).
External websites
Contact us
| Officer / Team | Environmental Protection Team |
|---|---|
| Postal address | Blaby District Council Council Offices Desford Road Narborough Leicester LE19 2EP |
| E-mail address | env.health@blaby.gov.uk |
| Telephone | 0116 272 7555 |
| Fax | 0116 272 7594 |
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This page was last updated on 24th September 2009
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