SAFETY AROUND BONFIRE NIGHT

Around this time of year, fireworks are in high demand for obvious reasons, Guy Fawkes/Bonfire Night being the main reason, but also New Year's Eve preparations, and even personal celebrations!

Here is a recap for you on your rights when purchasing/using fireworks.

1. ‘Adult’ fireworks cannot be purchased by anyone under the age of 18. This means any category 2 and 3 fireworks.

2. Category 1 fireworks (such as party poppers, cracker snaps etc.) cannot be bought by anyone under 16.

3. Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals and are not available for purchase by the public.

4. Fireworks can only be used in private spaces and must not be set off on the street.

5. Fireworks can not be set off between the hours of 11pm and 7am, unless it is under the following circumstances:

• Bonfire night, where the latest time to set off fireworks is midnight.
• New Years Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali, where the cut off is 1am.

6. If you have any concerns, always check with your local council about any rules regarding fireworks in your area.

7. Fireworks are only available from ‘registered sellers’ for private use on the following dates:

• 15th October-10th November
• 26th to 31st December
• 3 days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

**REMEMBER, IF YOU ARE FOUND GUILTY OF BREAKING ANY OF THESE LAWS, YOU CAN BE FINED AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF MONEY AND IMPRISONED FOR UP TO 6 MONTHS, OR FACE AN ON-THE-SPOT FINE OF £90. **

ALSO, SEE BELOW FOR OUR TOP SAFETY TIPS WHEN USING FIREWORKS:

• We recommend you never go back to a lit firework.

• ONLY buy your fireworks from a licenced retailer or licenced store.

• Never put fireworks in your pocket or any other item of clothing.

• Do not light fireworks if you are intoxicated.

• Only buy fireworks marked ‘’CE.’’

• Be considerate to people around you, including neighbours.

• Light sparklers one at a time.

• NEVER give a sparkler to a child under the age of five.

• Wear gloves when using sparklers.

• When a sparkler is done with, always push the hot end into a tub of sand or bucket of water.

• NEVER throw fireworks into a bonfire.

• Do not leave children unsupervised anywhere near fireworks.

• Keep you pets indoors and do everything you can to keep them comfortable. (See here for further tips on how to do this.)

• Finally, remember as beautiful and enjoyable fireworks are, they are essentially explosives, and should never be treated like a toy. Use common sense when getting involved with fireworks, and if you have any concerns about the products, get in contact with the retailer or manufacturer before lighting it.