Fireworks

Fireworks safety

The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You must also not set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for:

• Chinese New Year – extended until 1am on the night
• Diwali – extended until 1am on the night
• New Year's Eve – extended until 1am on the night
• Bonfire Night – extended until midnight

There is also legislation to protect people from the stress, noise and nuisance that fireworks can cause, and reduce injuries by not allowing:

• anyone under 18 years from possessing fireworks in a public place
• anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks
• any fireworks that detonate at a higher level than 120 decibels
• the use of fireworks at night (11pm - 7am) in England and Wales
• air bombs, these are banned and there are new strict controls on mini-rockets.

How can I make a noise complaint about fireworks?
Contact the Police if the fireworks are being let off in the street or outside the permitted times.

Contact Trading Standards if the fireworks seem too loud, appear to be sold outside the permitted times to underage persons.

What can I do to avoid causing a risk of nuisance to my neighbours?

• Tell your neighbours.
• Use appropriate fireworks - when buying fireworks, try to avoid noisy ones in sensitive locations.
• Make sure pets and other animals are safely away from fireworks.
• If you are using fireworks for a celebration, a Friday or Saturday is preferable and make sure they are over by 11pm.
• Avoid letting off fireworks in unsuitable weather.
• Let off your fireworks in an open garden area - noise bounces off buildings and smoke and pollution can build up in enclosed spaces.

If a neighbour complains that you are disturbing them, their pets or livestock, be considerate.

After your display, clear up firework fallout and dispose of it safely.

It is very unlikely that fireworks noise will ever be frequent enough from any premises to constitute a statutory nuisance.