18 May 2004 - New Fireworks Legislation Aims to Reduce Injury
New fireworks laws will come into force on 7th June amending the Firework (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1997 made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
The new developments will make it more difficult for under-18s to buy fireworks and plans to ban the public supply of air bombs, which cause the most nuisance to the public on the streets. It tightens the definition of mini rockets and strengthens the obligation placed on retailers' to make sure a customer is over 18 - if a retailer has any doubt about the customer's age they should ask for proof, as already in place with cigarettes and alcohol. There will also be stiff penalties for Retailers breaching the legislation in which they could receive a fine of up to £5,000 or 6 months imprisonment, or even both.
The total number of people treated at hospital casualty departments in the UK in 2003 was 1,136 with 5% of casualties detained there overnight, as revealed by the 2003 Firework Injury Statistics.
The new proposals currently under consultation are:
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national curfew banning the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am
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noise limit of 120 decibels for category 3 fireworks, the largest and most powerful fireworks available to the public
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new licensing system for retailers that sell fireworks all year round
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requirement that importers prove any imports are destined for legal storage and distribution.
