Firework Guidelines
Fireworks used at the right time and place are a wonderful representation of celebration and enjoyment to all. The Parish Council supports and encourages enjoyment and celebration either towards local initiatives and events or seasonal and national celebrations.
However, in recent years the proliferation of powerful fireworks has resulted, on occasions, to inappropriate use resulting in misery to various people in the community and terror to domestic pets who cannot understand or reason.
On 7th August 2004 the Fireworks Regulations 2004 was introduced. The local police now have a responsibility to enforce breaches of use and possession of fireworks.
The regulations are wide ranging but include the following most important areas:
· Prohibits under the age of eighteen from possessing (an adult) firework in a public place. There are exceptions and include, professional firework displays, manufacturers and other authorised displays.
· Prohibits a person of any age from possessing, in a public place or elsewhere fireworks in certain categories
· Prohibits use of (an adult) firework during the night hours – 11pm to 7am. (Exceptions to this regulation are 5th November (11pm – 12am the next day); 31st December (11pm – 1am the next day) and other specific occasions including local authority displays and national celebrations.
Persons who breach the regulation(s) commit a criminal offence and can be fined up to £5,000 and/or 6 months imprisonment
There are various categories of Firework but largely mean the following:
(a) Adult firework – any firework except sparkler type
(b) Display firework – the word “display” printed on the wrapping and is safe at 25 metres
(c)Professional display firework – unfused firework not commercially available to the public
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The police have powers under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 and the Explosives Act 1875 to stop and search people who breach the new regulations.
It is important therefore, to act sensibly and consider others when fireworks are forming part of your celebrations.
Some good advice:
· Always consider the appropriateness of using fireworks. Do you have the correct training and skills to handle potentially lethal fireworks? Is it more appropriate to get advice from a professional – or event better get the professional to handle all fireworks on your behalf?
· Is the place you intend to use fireworks appropriate for the occasion? Back gardens are often too small or inappropriate for powerful fireworks – besides you cannot really see the full benefit in close surroundings.
· Always give your neighbours plenty of notice about your intention to use fireworks in your celebrations.
· Always consider pets and other animals that will be terrorised by fireworks.
· Local veterinary surgeries will offer a range of advice guidance and other specific medication (if appropriate) to reduce the impact of fireworks on domestic pets.
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