Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Record
Daily Record
National
Katrine Bussey & John-Paul Clark

Restrictions on sale and use of fireworks passed by MSPs

MSP's have voted in new legislation in Holyrood bringing in restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks, despite concerns that it could create a "black market" for pyrotechnics.

Community safety minister Ash Regan insisted changes in the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles ( Scotland ) Bill would play a "key part in reducing the harm, the distress and the injury" that can be caused.

However Conservative justice spokesman Jamie Greene raised concerns that by creating a licensing scheme and limiting the number of days when fireworks can be sold, the Bill - which was passed by by 84 votes to zero with 25 abstentions - could lead to stockpiling and the creation of a black market.

He branded the legislation "bonkers and nonsensical", adding he was "not convinced" it would achieve its primary aim of improving firework safety and reducing the harm caused.

The Bill will only allow fireworks to be bought and used by members of the public at certain times of the year, including Guy Fawkes Day, Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

It creates a new licensing system which will mean members of the public will need a licence to buy and use fireworks, while businesses will have to check if those buying pyrotechnics have a licence.

It will also become an offence to give fireworks to a child or buy them on behalf of a child.

Councils will be able to establish firework control zones where it will be an offence for fireworks to be used - by either the public or professionals - other than in a firework display or essential purposes.

"The Bill balances the legitimate right to use fireworks and pyrotechnics with the need to protect public safety," Ms Regan said.

"Without the protection this Bill provides many people and animals will continue to be deeply affected by the use and deliberate misuse of fireworks and pyrotechnics.

"Without the additional restrictions proposed by this Bill people will continue to suffer life-changing injuries, with many requiring months of physical and psychological aftercare."

Mr Greene said while restrictions around the days when fireworks can be bought and sold "sounds like a great idea", there were "genuine, vocal concerns about stockpiling, about the black market and the white van man scenario, and this could get worse, not better".

He added that the Bill "randomly selects certain religious festivals but excludes others", meaning the legislation could be challenged in the courts.

It would also create the "bizarre situation" where people are barred from setting off fireworks in their own garden "but if you can afford a company to do it that's fine".

Mr Greene continued: "You can be refused a licence if you have committed arson but not an act of terror.

"It doesn't regulate online sales nor does it stop people crossing over the border to England for their stash."

Labour's Pauline McNeill also highlighted a "knock-on effect" of the legislation would be "the risk that people will turn to the black market".

She said: "The extent to which the Bill was rushed through Parliament means we did not get a chance to examine this properly."

Despite the "many flaws" in the Bill she said Labour would back it.

Liberal Democrat Willie Rennie also gave his support, saying the proposals were supported by the police and fire services.

He insisted the changes were not "about limiting fun", telling MSPs: "This is about making sure everyone can have fun, not those who would misuse our traditions and misuse these fireworks as weapons."

The SNP has hit out at the Scottish Conservative's opposition to the bill, however.

SNP MSP Audrey Nicoll said: "By failing to support tighter controls on fireworks the Tories have chosen not to protect public safety in our communities, not to reduce the burden on our emergency services and not to support efforts to create a safer Scotland.

"Regulating the use and sale of fireworks has clear public support and Douglas Ross's party have once again ignored people across Scotland.

"Whilst the Tories continue to do nothing more than oppose for the sake of opposing, this time risking public safety, the SNP will continue to take action with the powers at our disposal to create better, safer communities for us all."

Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here .

READ MORE:

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.