Fireworks and the Law
There are laws about when fireworks can be sold, to whom and at what times
Storage of fireworks and safety advice
Fireworks should ALWAYS be handled with care.
Sale of Fireworks
- The purchase of fireworks is restricted to those over 18.
Possession of Fireworks
- It is an offence for anyone under 18 to possess fireworks in a public place
- It is an offence to modify, tamper with or misuse fireworks. They can be extremely dangerous if used for antisocial behaviour.
- It is also an offence to throw or set off a firework in any street or public place
Times for Setting off Fireworks
- Regulations mean that it is illegal to let off fireworks between 11pm and 7am.
- On Bonfire Night - 5th November, an extra hour is allowed and the use of fireworks must stop at midnight.
- On Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali the curfew is extended to 01:00 hours.
Dispensations are permitted and further advice can be obtained from licensing services or by completing the online dispensation application form.Fireworks Dispensation
Pets
- It is the responsibility of owners or those looking after animals to ensure the safety of pets
- Take advice from a local VET in respect of keeping pets safe and protected from stress and anxiety. General advice is to keep pets indoors and ensure they have a 'safe' place to be. Having household noise similar to the TV or a radio may distract animals from some firework sounds. Trading Standards have advice for pet owners.Advice for Dog Owners re Fireworks (opens new window)
It remains to be an offence to cause intentional suffering and damage to any domestic or captive animals relating to the misuse of fireworks.
Advice re Storage of Fireworks
- Advice and guidance on safe usage and storage of fireworks can be obtained by contacting Trading Standards who can provide specific advice. Trading Standards also investigate complaints relating to the safety and sale of fireworks and monitor compliance with under age sales requirements and further detailed information relating to advice for dog owners.Advice for Dog Owners re Fireworks (opens new window)
Further advice can be found from other community safety partners:
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service provide advice on Fireworks Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (opens new window)
RoSPA also provide safety advice to members of the public ROSPA Fireworks Safety (opens new window)
Help to make YOUR community safe. Work with your neighbours to engage positively with those who misuse fireworks to highlight to them the dangers.
