Ministers introduce fireworks control bill

Scottish ministers have put before the Parliament their bill to reduce the negative impact of fireworks on people's lives.

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill proposes tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks and the misuse of pyrotechnics such as flares.

Ministers are keen to reduce incidents of antisocial behaviour, and personal injuries, associated with fireworks, as well as to reduce the level of distress caused to some people and domestic pets.

The bill follows the report of an independent Firework Review Group which recommended tightening legislation to reduce the harm fireworks can cause. Public consultation showed strong support for key measures in the bill amongst those who responded.

Measures in the bill include:

• the introduction of a fireworks licensing system;
• a new power for local authorities to designate firework control zones, where it is not permitted for the public to use fireworks;
• restricting the days fireworks can be sold to and used by the general public;
• a new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks and pyrotechnics to under-18s to ensure adults do not purchase such products on behalf of children;
• a new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic while at, or travelling to, certain places or events, without reasonable excuse.

It appears from social media that questions have been raised over whether the bill encroaches on powers reserved to Westminster.

Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: "We have already moved quickly to introduce regulations restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.

"This bill demonstrates our absolute commitment to further improve safety for communities across Scotland."

Click here to access the bill and related documents.