MSPs call for views on Fireworks Bill

Public comments are invited on legislation to restrict the public’s use of fireworks, as a committee of MSPs begins its examination of the measures.

The Scottish Parliament’s Criminal Justice Committee has issued a call for views on the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill, as it begins its stage 1 scrutiny. 

The bill would affect two categories of fireworks commonly bought by the public for use at home. It proposes that:

• the dates fireworks can be sold in shops would be limited to those periods around major events (amounting to a total of 37 days a year);
• dates the public could legally use fireworks would be similarly restricted;
• anyone using these types of fireworks would need special training, and a fireworks licence;
• councils could create “control zones” where most types of fireworks would not be allowed (even on private land);
• the police would have new powers to search for and seize fireworks.

There are four main designated categories of fireworks used in the UK, based on the net explosive content (NEC) of the product:

Category F1 fireworks present a very low hazard and negligible noise level. They include small sparklers, ice fountains (small fireworks for indoor use, popularly used by bars, clubs and restaurants) and party poppers. These are not impacted by the bill.

Category F2 fireworks present a low hazard and low noise level, and are intended for outdoor use in confined areas (garden fireworks). They include Roman candles (up to 50g), rockets (up to 75g) and batteries (up to 500g) and combinations (up to 600g). You need to be aged 18 years or older to buy them, and people must stand at least 8m away when they are set off. The Bill will restrict the availability and use of these fireworks.

Category F3 fireworks present a medium hazard and a noise level not harmful to human health. They are intended for outdoor use in large open areas and include larger rockets (up to 200g), mines (up to 200g), batteries (up to 1000g) and combinations (up to 3000g). You need to be aged 18 or older to buy them, and people must stand at least 25m away when they are set off. The Bill will restrict the availability and use of these fireworks.

Category F4 fireworks are professional fireworks for large open spaces. They present a high hazard, and are intended for use only by persons with specialist knowledge and training. They are not available to members of the public. The Bill will introduce some further restrictions on their use.

Use of fireworks would be limited to 7 to 16 April, 27 October to 12 November, 26 December to 2 January, the three days immediately preceding the first day of Chinese New Year to the seventh day after the first day of Chinese New Year, and the three days immediately preceding the first day of Diwali to the seventh day after the first day of Diwali.)

There are exemptions for organised public firework displays and professionally organised displays.

The Government says that these changes should reduce misuse of fireworks, as well as help those adversely affected by them, such as pet owners, and those with additional needs.

Speaking as the call for views launched, committee convener Audrey Nicoll MSP commented:

"We know that for many people and communities, fireworks are a dangerous nuisance – though we know some families enjoy them safely. 

"As a committee, we will be examining whether the Scottish Government’s plans strike the right balance, and are likely to be effective in reducing misuse of fireworks.

"To help us with this, we want to listen to everyone with views on this issue. We have online surveys running until 11 March."

Click here for more information abut the bill.