UK households are being warned over a fireworks ‘time limit’ relating to Bonfire Night.
Guy Fawkes Night may only be one night a year, but increasingly it feels like ‘fireworks fortnight’ as everyone from Halloween to about November 10th decides they have carte blanche to set off explosives in their back gardens.
But there are actually laws governing how and when anyone can set off fireworks, both on November 5 and the rest of the year – and those falling foul of the laws could find themselves with a substantial fine or even a court appearance and even 6 months in prison.
Police are warning households that there are time limits on when you can set off fireworks, but they are different on November 5 to the rest of the year.
On November 5, Bonfire Night, the rule is 7am to midnight.
Earlier than 7am, or later than midnight, and you’re breaking antisocial behaviour laws.
But on any other date, the rule is 7am to 11pm, which means if you’re setting off fireworks on November 4, or November 6, you must stop an hour earlier or you’ll face a fine too.
West Yorkshire Police warns: “The penalties for using fireworks outside the above curfew hours are imprisonment (maximum 6 months) and a substantial fine.
“Please note, you could also commit offences if they were being used to cause a nuisance.”
Met Police warn that there are three categories of fireworks, and each one also carries an age limit.
They said:
category one: ‘Throwdown fireworks’ including firecrackers, bangers and party poppers
categories two and three: ‘Adult fireworks’ available in shops
category four: Professional display fireworks available from specialist suppliers
“Anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks. “Anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks
“Anyone over 12 can buy Christmas crackers.
“Only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category 4 fireworks. Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place. It’s an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space.”
