Fireworks Registration
Fireworks are widely used to mark public and private
celebrations, as well as traditional events. While adding
excitement to such occasions, fireworks can also frighten and
disturb people and animals, cause annoyance or damage and impact on
air quality.
In order to sell fireworks it is a requirement that premises
are registered with Trading Standards. It is not permitted to sell
them without a registration/licence.
The Fireworks
Regulations 2004 prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing
fireworks and anyone except professionals from possessing display
fireworks. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at
night (11pm - 7am), with extensions for the following
festivals:
- until 1.00am on the night of the Chinese New Year;
- until 1.00am on the night of Diwali;
- until 1.00am on New Year's Eve;
- until midnight on 5 November.
These regulations are enforced by the Police.
If you are having your own firework display, remember that too
much noise can frighten people and animals. To reduce the risk of
nuisance, follow these simple guidelines:
- supervise children with fireworks at all times;
- tell neighbours, particularly if they are elderly or have
children or pets;
- use appropriate fireworks (to BS 7114 standard), avoid the
really noisy ones;
- ensure pets and other animals are safely away from
fireworks;
- consider timing: if you are using fireworks for a celebration,
a Friday or Saturday is preferable and you must by regulation
ensure the display ends by 11pm;
- let off the fireworks in an open area: noise can bounce off
buildings and smoke can collect in enclosed areas;
- stop your display if neighbours complain that you are
disturbing them, their pets or livestock;
- avoid letting off fireworks in unsuitable weather: strong winds
can be hazardous and still, misty weather, or when air quality is
poor, could also be a problem. Check air quality on 0800
556677;
- after your display, clear up used fireworks and dispose of them
safely.
For further information on fireworks,
contact:
Trading Standards & Regulatory Services
Units 4-5
Thornfield Business Park
Standard Way
Northallerton
DL6 2XQ
Tel: 01609 534816
Department ofr Business Enterprise & Regulatory
Reform
1 Victoria Street
London
SW1H 0ET
Tel: 020 7215 5000
North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service
Fire Service Headquarters
Thurston Road
Northallerton
DL6 2ND
Tel. 01609 780150