The government is consulting on proposals to:
- restrict the availability of noisier fireworks to the general public, with louder products only available to professional users
- add products deemed to be carrying unacceptable risks to the list of existing banned pyrotechnic products
- review the regulations for fireworks and pyrotechnic products currently classified as lower risk to better reflect the different levels of risk they pose
Fireworks are enjoyed by many for celebrations and cultural events. However, their use has become a growing concern, as seen from public complaints, parliamentary debates, and petitions calling for stronger controls due to the negative impacts on neighbourhood safety, vulnerable people, and animals. Recent polling by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) found that 91 percent of respondents supported regulatory change[footnote 1]. Conversely, concerns have also been raised about the regulatory requirements for lower risk fireworks and pyrotechnics products, such as Christmas crackers.
This consultation explores these issues, in support of the UK Government’s Safer Streets Mission [footnote 2] to tackle anti-social behaviour. The goal is to find an approach that preserves the enjoyment of fireworks for celebrations while preventing harm and distress to others.
