• When they can be sold and to who
• When they can be set off
• Animal Welfare

If you are planning on using fireworks, please take a few moments to familiarise yourself with the laws surrounding fireworks.

If you are under 18 years of age

If you are under 18, you can't:

• buy the types of fireworks which can be sold only to adults
• have fireworks in public places

If you do, the police can give you an on-the-spot fine of £80

.

Using fireworks legally

It is against the law to:

• set off or throw fireworks in the street or other public place
• set off fireworks between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am – except during certain celebrations

If found guilty by the courts, you could be fined up to £5,000 and can be imprisoned for up to three months. You may be liable for an on-the-spot fine of £80.

When you can use fireworks during celebrations

You can let off fireworks :

• until midnight on Bonfire Night
• until 1.00 am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year

Did You Know...

It is illegal to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am except during certain celebrations

When fireworks are available to buy

Fireworks for private use, and from a registered seller, can only be sold:

• between 15 October and 10 November – around Bonfire Night
• between 26 December and 31 December – for New Year’s Eve
• three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

For the rest of the year, you will only be able to buy fireworks from shops that are licensed to supply them.

If you think a shop is unregistered, or selling fireworks when they shouldn’t, contact your council’s Trading Standards Officer. Your council will also have a list of registered sellers.

Animals and pets

It is against the law to cause any unnecessary suffering to any domestic or captive animal. The penalty if found guilty is either imprisonment up to 51 weeks, or a fine of up to £20,000, or both.

Did You Know...

Pets don't like loud noises, so keep them indoors

Firework displays for the general public

If you are organising a firework display for the general public, visit the Direct.gov website - 'Organising a firework display' for advice on how to run it safely and successfully.