Local authorities have new powers to reduce the negative impact of fireworks.
As of Thursday June 22, councils can designate Firework Control Zones that would make it a criminal offence to ignite a firework or knowingly throw a lit firework in a zone which can include private properties or gardens. The maximum penalties are a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.
Organised public firework displays will still be permitted within Zones to allow people to enjoy fireworks safely.
The provisions are one of the key measures from the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.
Background
Firework Control Zones are part of a suite of complimentary measures being introduced by the Scottish Government aimed at encouraging the safe and appropriate use of fireworks. Earlier this month, new offences came into force to tackle the risk to public safety caused by the misuse of pyrotechnics. It is now illegal for members of the public to possess pyrotechnics in a public place, as well as at any sporting or live music events with more than 1,000 people attending, without a reasonable excuse.
The creation of Firework Control Zones was included in recommendations made to the Scottish Government by the independent Firework Review Group alongside limiting the quantity of fireworks which can be sold and restricting the times of day when fireworks can be used in public . These recommendations have already been progressed through primary and secondary legislation, with a programme of work underway to implement the remaining measures.
I’m Graeme’s Parliamentary Assistant based at Holyrood, but I support his constituency work as well. Having been Caseworker to an Aberdeenshire MP some years prior, joining Graeme's team in 2019 was a return to this line of work from a role in fundraising.