Fireworks

Fireworks can be exciting, but they also pose risks to people, animals and property. Whether you're planning a display or attending one, please follow these guidelines to keep everyone safe.

The law

It's an offence to:

• sell fireworks to anyone under 18
• have fireworks in a public place if you are under 18
• set off or throw fireworks or sparklers in the street or other public places
• use professional display fireworks without a licence
• set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except for
  • Bonfire Night when the cut-off is midnight
  • New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut-off is 1am

Safety tips

• always follow the firework code - it's there to protect you and others
• supervise children at all times around fireworks
• never give sparklers to a child under five - they burn at extremely high temperatures

Buying fireworks

You can only buy fireworks and sparklers from registered sellers for private use on these dates:

• 15 October to 10 November
• 26 to 31 December
• three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

Penalties

Breaking the law can result in:

• an unlimited fine
• up to six months in prison
• an on-the-spot fine of £90