Tough new laws on use of fireworks introduced
New legislation has been published that promises tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks and the misuse of pyrotechnics in Scotland.
The Scottish government says reducing the “negative impact” of fireworks and pyrotechnics on communities across Scotland is at the heart of the new legislation.
The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill follows the report of an independent Firework Review Group, which recommended tightening legislation to reduce the harm fireworks can cause.
The Bill’s proposals include:
- A new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic while at, or travelling to, certain places or events, such as sports grounds, without reasonable excuse;
- A new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks and pyrotechnics to under-18s to ensure adults do not purchase such products on behalf of children;
- The introduction of a fireworks licensing system;
- A new power for local authorities to designate firework control zones, where it is not permitted for the public to use fireworks; and
- Restricting the days fireworks can be sold to and used by the general public.
The new rules created by the Bill would be enforced by Police Scotland and Trading Standards.
Police Scotland Chief Superintendent Linda Jones, of Partnership, Prevention and Community Wellbeing, said: “Pyrotechnics in the wrong hands can be lethal. They are inherently dangerous and their ongoing misuse is a matter of serious concern to Police Scotland. This is not only due to the risks faced by those who may discharge them, but to those around them.
“There is no safe way to operate pyrotechnics unless you are properly trained – leave it to the experts at organised events.”
Although Police Scotland reported fewer incidents this year over the bonfire night period, a number of officers and other emergency services workers were targeted with fireworks.
Police Scotland introduced a policing plan under the name Operation Moonbeam in 2018 in response to significant public disorder and anti-social behaviour linked to fireworks and pyrotechnics. This had included targeted attacks on the blue light services responding to emergency calls during the fireworks night period.
Last year Police Scotland recorded 20 per cent fewer calls and reported incidents compared with 2020, due largely to the “ongoing impact of Covid-19”, which resulted in fewer organised events.
Throughout Thursday, November 4, and Friday, November 5, 2021, 649 calls were received by police in relation to fireworks, and a further 105 regarding fires. In 2020 these figures were 798 and 153, respectively.
Analysis of a public consultation on the proposed Bill, published in December 2021, showed overwhelming support for tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks (see https://www.policeprofessional.com/news/public-supports-tougher-police-action-on-misuse-of-fireworks/).
Scottish Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “This Bill will ensure appropriate action is taken over the sale and use of fireworks as well as reducing the misuse of pyrotechnic devices such as flares.
“We have undertaken a significant programme of engagement and evidence gathering which has demonstrated strong public support for tougher action.
“We have already moved quickly to introduce regulations restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.
“This Bill demonstrates our absolute commitment to further improve safety for communities across Scotland.”
Director of service delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, said: “It is clear the inappropriate use of fireworks and pyrotechnics such as flares can cause harm and serious injury as well as distress people, pets and the wider community.
“In some cases, fireworks have also been linked to anti-social behaviour which can put our crews and our partners at risk whilst drawing unnecessarily on our emergency service resources. We therefore welcome measures to help keep our communities, staff and partners safe.”
The Bill is in addition to new regulations which came into force at the end of last June restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.