Business Minister Kate Dearden confirmed that legislative reforms are currently being reviewed to address noise pollution without enforcing a total ban on retail sales. Although charities like Combat Stress report annual spikes in helpline calls from veterans experiencing triggered trauma, they favor predictable scheduling over prohibition. Meanwhile, industry figures warn that excessive restrictions could simply drive British consumers toward unregulated black markets.
Key points
Government ministers are reviewing legislative reforms to halve consumer firework noise l…: Government ministers are reviewing legislative reforms to halve consumer firework noise limits rather than imposing an outright sales ban.
Current laws already restrict pyrotechnic purchases to adults over 18 and ban setting the…: Current laws already restrict pyrotechnic purchases to adults over 18 and ban setting them off after 23:00 outside designated holidays.
Trade leaders caution that overly strict noise caps could inadvertently create an illicit…: Trade leaders caution that overly strict noise caps could inadvertently create an illicit black market for louder, untested fireworks.
Sources checked by our analysis pipeline: 1
- Published
Bangers, rockets and screamers have long been part of celebrations around Bonfire Night - but the traditional celebrations might sound a little different next year.
The government is currently considering reducing the limit for the noisiest fireworks for private use by 50%, after pressure from campaigners concerned about the impact on nervous animals and people with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
About 20 million people enjoy fireworks at home every year, according to industry figures.
Andy Hubble, of the British Fireworks Association, said displays had already been getting quieter and a balance must be struck to prevent a black market in noisy fireworks springing up.
The end of October sees the start of several celebrations traditionally marked by fireworks and bonfires, including Halloween on 31 October, Guy Fawkes Night on 5 November, and Diwali, which is on 8 November this year.
The government has said an outright ban on the public buying fireworks would not be proportionate.
But Business Minister Kate Dearden said her department was considering "reforms to fireworks legislation, focused on their key harms associated with…
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