Noisier fireworks
Views are sought on restricting noisier products for the general public, with louder products limited to professional users.
OPSS open consultation
Fireworks consultation
Fireworks are enjoyed by many for celebrations and cultural events. They are also a source of injury, distress and neighbourhood disruption when products, timing, noise and public use are not properly controlled.
The UK Government is asking for evidence and views on how fireworks and pyrotechnics should be regulated. FOLO-UP encourages people to respond, especially where they have experience of product risk, community harm, vulnerable people, pets, livestock, or anti-social use.
Why this consultation matters
The challenge is not whether fireworks can be enjoyable. Many people value them as part of Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year, weddings, cultural events and public celebrations. The public safety question is how the risks are limited so that enjoyment does not come at the cost of preventable harm or fear for others.
Complaints, petitions and parliamentary debates have raised concerns about noise, late-night disturbance, unsafe handling, anti-social behaviour, animal welfare, and the effects on people who are vulnerable to sudden loud noise. This consultation is part of the Government's Safer Streets Mission to tackle anti-social behaviour.
What the proposals cover
Unacceptable risks
The consultation asks whether certain pyrotechnic products should be added to the existing banned-products list.
Lower-risk products
The rules for products currently treated as lower risk may be reviewed so the different risk levels are reflected more accurately.
What evidence can help?
Responses are most useful when they describe real situations and practical trade-offs. You may want to explain what risks you have seen, what protections would help, and how rules could be made clearer without stopping well-managed celebrations.
- Injuries, near misses, property damage, fires or unsafe handling.
- Effects on older people, children, disabled people, neurodivergent people, veterans, or people with trauma responses.
- Effects on pets, livestock and wildlife.
- Noise, timing, local nuisance and anti-social use in streets or public spaces.
- Whether professional displays, quieter products, better information or clearer sales controls would reduce harm.
Sources of facts
The factual claims in this article are based on the following official notices, research and reporting. Links open the original source.
- GOV.UK: Fireworks and pyrotechnics in the UK
- GOV.UK: Fireworks: the law
- HSE: Fireworks safety and explosives guidance
Sources are checked during editorial review; dates and guidance may change on the originating website.
What other press says
Selected reporting, official evidence and practical guidance connected with this article.
GOV.UK
Fireworks and pyrotechnics in the UK
The Government consultation sets out the proposed changes to noise, prohibited products and lower-risk categories.
GOV.UKFireworks: the law
The legal guidance covers age limits, permitted times, public places and the rules for buying and using fireworks.
HSEFireworks safety and explosives guidance
The Health and Safety Executive explains the safety requirements for organising displays and handling fireworks.
These links open external websites. Their access terms and editorial responsibility apply.