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The Fireworks Regulations 2004 make certain provisions in relation to fireworks to minimise the risk that fireworks will be used with harmful consequences for people, animals or property. The regulations apply to England and Wales, and to Scotland except for regulation 7 (prohibition of use of certain fireworks at night). The regulations do not apply to Northern Ireland. 

Can fireworks be purchased all year round? 

No. Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 the sale of fireworks is limited to the following seasonal periods: 

  • 15 October to 10 November 
  • New Year (from 26 to 31 December)  
  • Chinese New Year (on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it) 
  • Diwali (on the day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it) 

Retailers intending to supply fireworks to the public outside of these traditional selling periods (all year round) are required to hold a licence from their local authority, their local fire service or the Health and Safety Executive. 

Can anyone purchase a firework? 

No. The purchase of fireworks requires age verification. Under the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, a retailer must not sell: 

  • A Christmas cracker to anyone under the age of 12 
  • F1 category fireworks to anyone under the age of 16 (low hazard fireworks intended for use in confined areas) 
  • F2 and F3 category fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 (low and medium hazard fireworks intended for open areas) 
  • F4 category fireworks to members of the public (display fireworks, which can only be used by professional pyrotechnicians) 

Certain types of fireworks are banned altogether, including bangers, air bombs and jumping jacks. 

Can anyone possess a firework? 

No. Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, it is an offence for: 

  • anyone under the age of 18 to possess a firework in a public place  
  • anyone (other than a firework professional) to possess category F4 fireworks (powerful display fireworks) 

A ‘public place’ includes any place to which the public have or are permitted access, whether on payment or otherwise. 

In addition, under the Policing and Crime Act 2017, it is an offence to possess a pyrotechnic article (for example, a firework, flare or smoke bomb) at a qualifying musical event. The Sporting Events (Control of Alcohol etc.) Act 1985 makes it an offence to possess a pyrotechnic article during a designated sporting event when in a sports ground or while entering a sports ground. 

Can fireworks be let off at any time? 

No. In England and Wales there is a curfew on the use of fireworks between 11pm and 7am imposed by regulation 7 of the Fireworks Regulations 2004. The start of the curfew will be later for some occasions during the year when fireworks are normally used for traditional or cultural events. These are: 

  • 5 November when the curfew begins at midnight 
  • New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali, when the curfew does not start until 1am the following day 

Local authorities are also permitted to put on displays outside these times for local purposes and for national and commemorative events.  

The police enforce the curfew. 

Can excessively loud fireworks be let off? 

No. Fireworks legislation specifically prohibits the supply to the public of any firework where the noise levels exceed 120 decibels.

Category 3 fireworks are the loudest and most powerful fireworks available for public use, with category 4 fireworks only available to licenced professional pyrotechnicians. 

How are the regulations enforced? 

Using fireworks illegally can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000 and/or a prison sentence of up to six months. Alternatively, a fixed penalty notice may be levied.  

What is the position in Scotland? 

The Fireworks (Scotland) Regulations 2004, as amended by the Fireworks (Scotland) Miscellaneous Amendments Regulations 2021, impose some additional rules on the supply and use of fireworks. Specifically, the regulations:  

  • restrict the times of day fireworks can be used by the general public to between 6pm and 11pm, with the exception of 5 November (when they can be used from 6pm until midnight), Hogmanay, the night of Chinese New Year and the night of Diwali (when they can be used from 6pm until 1am) 
  • restrict the times of day fireworks can be supplied to the public to between 7am and 6pm, alongside requirements on retailers around sale and storage licences 
  • limit the quantity of fireworks that can be supplied to the public to 5kg at any one time  

Under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, it is a criminal offence for anyone to supply fireworks or other pyrotechnic articles to a person under 18. The penalty is a £5,000 fine, six months’ imprisonment, or both.  

In addition, attacks on emergency workers using fireworks or pyrotechnics are aggravating factors that can be taken into account by the court when sentencing offenders. 

Local councils in Scotland can designate an area as a “firework control zone” (FCZ) to restrict the use of fireworks. In FCZs, it is against the law to set off fireworks anywhere, including on private property, except for category 1 fireworks (sparklers, crackers, party poppers). However, organised public firework displays are allowed, so people can enjoy fireworks safely.

What is the position in Northern Ireland? 

The Fireworks Regulations 2004 do not apply at all to Northern Ireland.  

Under the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (NI) 2002, it is illegal to buy, possess and use fireworks in Northern Ireland without a valid fireworks licence, except for certain indoor fireworks and sparklers. Firework offences carry a maximum fine of £5,000, a three-month prison sentence, or both.  

Further reading  

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