Legislation to improve public safety by banning the supply of fireworks to under-18s in Scotland is set to come into force on October 10. In addition, the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics (Scotland) Act will see attacks on emergency workers using fireworks become “aggravating factors” taken into account when courts sentence offenders.
Work is also under way to bring in a licensing system, mandatory training for people wishing to purchase fireworks, and powers for local authorities to designate firework control zones. Last year, steps were taken to restrict the times fireworks can be used, when they can be bought, and the quantity.
Community safety minister Ash Regan said the moves are a welcome stop to bring greater public safety across Scotland. “These important new powers have been delivered at pace and make it a criminal offence for anyone to supply fireworks or other pyrotechnic articles to a child or person under age 18,” she said.
