With Bonfire Night rapidly approaching, many households will be looking forward to seeing some fireworks and bonfire displays.
However, with Manchester City Council announcing that it will axe its displays this year due to costs, many may be considering hosting their own private event. While this may seem like a fun idea for friends and family, it's important to familiarise yourself with Britain's fireworks laws to avoid landing yourself in a heap of trouble.
The most important law to consider is that you can be fined an unlimited amount of money as well as receive up to six months in prison for either selling or using fireworks illegally. You can also receive a £90 fine on the spot.
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Here's everything you need to know about the government's fireworks laws so you can have a safe and fun time this Bonfire Night.
What time can you set off fireworks?
The law states that fireworks must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except for the following:
- Bonfire Night - the cut off is midnight
- New Year's Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year - the cut off is 1am
While these are the government's rules, your council may have even tighter restrictions in place so it's important to check with them.
Where are you allowed to set off fireworks?
It is perfectly legal to set off fireworks in your own garden as long as you follow all the other laws. However, it is illegal to set off fireworks in the street or other public places - this includes the use of sparklers.
Because of this, you are not allowed to go to your local park to set off fireworks or sparklers on your own. If you plan to host a public event such as a street party then you will need explicit permission from your local authority.
What's the minimum age to buy fireworks?
You cannot buy 'adult' fireworks if you are under the age of 18. Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks but don’t include things like party poppers. Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals for professional displays - so they are illegal to purchase and be in possession of.
It is also an offence to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone under the age of 16.
Wherever fireworks and sparklers are being let off, children should always be supervised by an adult. You should only hand sparklers to children over the age of five and over.
When can you buy fireworks?
You can only buy fireworks and sparklers from registered sellers for private use on the following dates:
- October 15 to November 10
- December 26 to 31
- Three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
At other times, you are able to buy fireworks but only from licensed shops.
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