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Bonfire Night is such a spectacular event that we all hope it goes out with a bang – but don't let it leave you in too much shock.
The annual event takes place on Sunday, November 5 and it'll see people up and down the country marvelling at magnificent firework displays and cosying around bonfires.
But, before you indulge in the festive fun, it's vital to ensure your planned festivities are safe to prevent injuries and hefty fines. According to the NHS, almost 2,000 visits to A&E in 2018/19 were linked to fireworks and – in recent years – new legislation has been introduced in an attempt to reduce firework-related accidents.
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In order to raise awareness of the potential risks, Dan Whittaker, personal finance expert at Little-Loans.com, outlined some little-known laws you should know to encourage users to exercise caution when handling and buying fireworks.
There are simple rules you need to follow to ensure you and your loved ones are safe. Keeping in line with guidance will also ensure you don't run the risk of being fined. You should never play with fire, so be careful as we approach the event.
Using sparklers in public
Many people may already be aware that setting fireworks off in the street is a criminal offence, but did you know that sparklers also come under this rule? Greater Manchester Police (GMP) state that it's an offence to throw or set off fireworks or sparklers in a public place.
As stated on the Gov.uk website, you can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to six months for using fireworks or sparklers illegally or face an on-the-spot fine of £90. To avoid these repercussions, it’s recommended that you use sparklers on your own property, preferably outside in a well-ventilated area.
Potential fine – unlimited
Firework curfews
Normally, you must not set off fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am, except on certain days. According to GMP, these exceptions are on Bonfire Night, when it changes to midnight and 7am.
There are also differences on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year when fireworks are prohibited from 1am to 7am. People found breaking these curfews could be fined up to £5,000.
Potential fine – £5,000
Restricted dates to buy fireworks
The Gov.uk website states that you can only buy fireworks and sparklers from registered sellers for private use on specific dates, which are:
October 15 to November 10
December 26 to December 31
Three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year
If you are hoping to buy fireworks outside of these dates, you must purchase them from a licensed fireworks shop. Although buying fireworks from licensed sellers all year around is allowed, you must still only use fireworks during the hours permitted.
As a reminder, it’s illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am with the exception of the specific dates mentioned above.
Potential fine – unlimited
Age restrictions on firework purchasing
Adult fireworks classed as Category F2 and Category F3 are designed for outdoor use only, and require a safety distance of at least 8 metres for F2 and 25m for F3. It's an offence to sell adult fireworks to anybody under the age of 18.
If you suspect that a retailer is breaking these rules and breaching age restrictions, it's recommended that you report them to your local Trading Standards.
Firework control zones
Local councils in Scotland have set up firework control zones where members of the public are not allowed to use fireworks, even on private property. This law came into effect in June 2023, which means that for many Scots, Bonfire Night may be a little different than previous years and you may not be accustomed to this new legislation.
The control zones aim to reduce the negative impact fireworks can have on public safety. The Gov.scot website states that it's a criminal offence for members of the public to use fireworks within these zones.
By doing so, you risk being fined up to £5,000, or even sentenced to six months in prison. Before you set off any fireworks, it's advisable to contact your local council and check that your area is not within a control zone.
Potential fine – £5,000
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