Tough new regulations on fireworks are to come into effect next year in an attempt to combat safety and crime concerns.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt has drafted new laws to stop people letting off fireworks in public places after 11pm at night.
Anyone caught breaking the new laws could be arrested and fined.
Other measures include restricting the sale of fireworks to a three week period ahead of 5 November and a short period over New Year, and making the possession of fireworks by under 18s a criminal offence.
Have you had a bad experience with fireworks? Do you think the new laws will help? Send us your views.
This debate is now closed. Read your comments below.
Your reaction:
Your comments:
I am the MP who sponsored the Fireworks Bill through the House of Commons over the last year, and it is the powers in that Act, which came into force in September, that the Government is now proposing to use to make possession of fireworks by under-18s in public places illegal and to tackle other aspects of the anti-social use and misuse of fireworks. I am hopeful that wider measures will be announced in the Spring to better control illegal and grey imports, tighten up on the storage of fireworks, bring in licenses for those wishing to sell fireworks and restrict the use of the most powerful fireworks to those organising large displays. I do share the concerns expressed and I hope everyone enjoys 5 November or other events over the weekend whether they are attending a fireworks display or simply hoping to avoid the misuse of fireworks in their area.
Bill Tynan MP, Hamilton South
The fireworks set off by many of my neighbours this week were positively HUGE, shaking windows and rattling the door knocker as they exploded. And having seen a few close to, there has to be a kilo of explosive in the cardboard casing. It's this class of firework that concerns me when in the hands of "Dad in the garden" rather than the fizzly Roman candle of twenty years ago.
Lorraine, UK
When I was a child, I burned my hand on a sparkler. A Roman candle also shot at children and family standing on the patio. These are dangerous things and people typically do not treat them with caution. Yes, more restrictions, especially on the usage of them by people under 18.
Sue, UK
Fireworks are out of control and cause massive heartache for many. I no longer walk my dog in the evenings at this time of the year due to very loud bangers. It terrifies him and leaves me unable to be certain of controlling him. It must have the same affect on all the wildlife as I live near a wooded area. Somehow we live in a country of abuse to society, our natural environment and wildlife.
T. Newman, Bournemouth, UK
 |  I would be overjoyed if general sale to the public was banned  |
For the last six weeks our neighbourhood has been strafed constantly by loudly exploding incendiary devices, right outside our windows or narrowly missing us as we walk through our community gardens. No, not a war zone - just the annual lunacy that masquerades as a fun. Fireworks are lovely when they are being used in a controlled situation by responsible people, but get real - in the wrong hands they are a weapon, plain and simple. I would be overjoyed if general sale to the public was banned. Preferably, let's just abolish Bonfire Night altogether - can someone tell me why we are still 'celebrating' Guy Fawkes?
Candy, UK It always has been and always will be the idiots who abuse fireworks that spoil it for everyone else. I don't think the new laws will in any way interfere with how the majority of people enjoy fireworks - carefully, supervised and with respect.
Gill ,UK
New laws that regulate fireworks will just add more burden to law enforcement agencies. Perhaps an education campaign to help promote safety and combat crime is more appropriate.
Janet Paulin, Australia/Philippines
While we're on the subject of damaging pastimes, why don't we ban something else that serves no useful purpose other than to entertain and give pleasure, kills thousands each year and leads to millions of pounds worth of damage - alcohol! Anyone interested? It undoubtedly leads to more harm and costs more lives each year than fireworks have since the first Guy Fawkes day. Do we say this is a reason to ban alcohol - no! We say this is why you have to be an adult to drink it and prosecute those who abuse it to the detriment of others. Enough of this PC, ban-everything hysteria!
Simon Buckley,UK
| The proposals go some way towards a solution |
I watched a spectacular display last Saturday. Professional and amazing. (no big bangs) Problems are caused by the young and inexperienced (as I once was) and by those who have no social intelligence. The proposals go some way towards a solution. Professional displays would also, I believe, be welcomed by those who celebrate Diwalhi.
Roy Davies, UK The only reform necessary is to ban the sale of fireworks to the public until 3rd November. The main cause of trouble is they go on sale in the middle of October, which is totally unnecessary and allows yobbery during the half term period.
David, Qatar/UK
Just because a minority of fools misbehave everyone has to suffer. The government or police just can't be bothered or are incapable of enforcing the law. The easy way out is to ban it. Another defeat for law and order. Where does it all end?
C. Cooke, UK
| This is the way it needs to go to ensure the safety of our children |
I would fully support a ban on the sale of fireworks to the general public. Public displays should be allowed but the organisers should have to apply for a license and the residents of the area surrounding the suggested venue would be allowed to vote on whether the display could take place. Hopefully this would reduce the amount of displays that take place to an absolute minimum. Harsh, but this is the way it needs to go to ensure the safety of our children etc.
Cath, UK I wonder how things here compare with other countries. The atmosphere in Berlin at New Year is incredible with people letting off fireworks left, right and centre. It would be a shame to lose that because people can't take responsibility and handle fireworks with care. Shops shouldn't be selling them to minors, and adults should know how to handle them.
Richard, UK
I am originally from Northern Ireland and I have never been able to purchase fireworks. It is because they have been seen as another way of terrorists getting their hands on gunpowder. And as a child I grew up going to public displays and not knowing any different. In time our children will be the same. They will still be able to have the bonfires and sparklers.
Lorraine, Staffordshire, UK
We loved fireworks as kids but they didn't sound like Baghdad under siege. I still love rocket displays and the wonder of a child making patterns with a sparkler.
Msmo, London
It's not so much fireworks being let off late at night that annoys people, but the fact that it goes on for weeks if not months. There is no reason why fireworks should be available in shops, and every reason why they should be limited to organised displays. This is not a killjoy attitude, if people want to celebrate weddings and birthdays etc with fireworks, that's fine, but it should be done by a licensed organisation. I would also like to suggest that there should be a requirement for all fireworks displays to be listed in the local press so people can keep their pets indoors.
Jill, UK
Fireworks should be banned from public sale entirely. Licensed, outdoor displays should be the only venues to see fireworks. Few people actually celebrate fireworks night for what it is and you can tell this by the way the fireworks start at the beginning of October and last until Christmas.
Simon C, England
| From October to December, I run the risk of being hit by fireworks being let off in the street walking home from work |
From October to December, I run the risk of being hit by fireworks being let off in the street walking home from work. There seems to be very little publicity given to fireworks safety, unlike the adverts that used to be on TV and on billboards. Due to Diwali, they are on sale from September onwards where I live. I don't see why they have to be on sale freely to the general public. Surely, if people want them for a family occasion, etc. they could apply to the council for a permit and then be able to buy them. I should not have to be afraid of leaving the house after dark in case I get maimed by a firework.
Martin, England Keep fireworks to organised events using licensed display teams and suppliers. Limit the number of days allowed for their use and the times available (dusk - 2230) Nanny state? Maybe, but if people cannot be trusted to behave then so be it. At least people will not be injured in the street and families will not be loosing pets to the thugs. Unfortunate but true.
Simon Lewis, UK
I don't particularly feel that a ban is necessary - why should the clueless, ignorant individuals who have no common sense, misuse them to the point of injury or worse, spoil the fun for good decent people who respect the dangers and are no cause for concern? Children should be protected, definitely. But people should be made more aware and those who put themselves into danger are doing so at their own risk. There's no reason everyone should suffer because of their wrongdoings.
Donna, UK
Quite right - let's ban anything people can have fun with! There's far too much frivolity and enjoyment in this country, so now is the time for all sad old misery-guts to band together and get it stopped. Do we want more petty little laws - yes! Do we want rules and regulations coming out of our ears - Amen to that!
Phil, UK
Here in Japan, fireworks are on sale all summer. Anyone can buy them, even tiny kids. I have never heard of or found out about any firework related injuries, and many of them are more powerful than those I have seen in the UK. Organised displays (free) are put on every week, and at these events people watch fireworks, relax, drink alcohol and then often let off their own fireworks. I don't deny that fireworks used incorrectly can be dangerous, having watched a number of my Japanese friends let off fireworks with no concern for wind direction, fall-out zones or sparks, but many things fall into this category. Cars, alcohol, matches. And yet as I mentioned, I have never heard of anyone being injured. Surely it can't just be luck?
Mike, Japan
I'd hate to see fireworks banned altogether. I'd suggest making them available only to organised displays on only one night a year (closest Saturday to Nov 5th). I'd support a ban on the sale of fireworks to the public.
David H, UK
It should be simple to handle; fireworks be it buying or selling should be licensed. Licences should be issued by the police in a similar way to firearms certificates with the onus on the license applicant to demonstrate that they are a fit person to sell or buy dangerous goods.
Kevin, UK
I used to have a black powder (gunpowder) licence and we had to comply with strict storage and usage guidelines set down by the police. It annoys me that there are fireworks freely available and uncontrolled when they contain chemicals far more dangerous than the powder I handled.
Chris, UK
| Fireworks should only be sold to people with a licence for public displays |
I don't think that the new regulations go far enough. Fireworks should only be sold to people with a licence for public displays. Firework night now seems to last all year round and some of the fireworks available for sale are ridiculously powerful and dangerous.
Sian Edwards-Sim, Wales People are naive in seeing restrictions as a boring measure - it's clear now that children are not the sweet and innocent sparkler-waving loves they once were themselves. Blowing up phone boxes and firing rockets at passers by is dangerous and potentially fatal. Its these thugs that have spoilt it for the rest, and its those who should be receiving the focus of people's anger, not the government or least of all the Police.
J Watson, UK
Fireworks are only dangerous in the hands of mindless people. If they can't read the directs and follow them, then these people are asking for trouble. Why should they spoil the enjoyment for the rest of us.
Fiona Shoat, England
I think the new regulations are overdue, but I do not think they go far enough. Organised displays are fine - I enjoy them. However, I have witnessed and heard of too many dangerous occurrences with privately purchased fireworks. This is not limited to malicious use, but includes ignorance and blatant stupidity of those using them. I'm 21 and I know lots of people my age who are too immature to be trusted with fireworks, perhaps 18 is a bit young? I agree with the concerns about driving them underground, this is already a problem and we do not want to make it worse. The definitive answer - I'm not sure!
Ollie, UK
This legislation does not go far enough. Until recently, the public sale of fireworks was prohibited in Northern Ireland. Only large licensed displays were allowed. Let's bring that in here and perhaps we can all get a good night's sleep and wake up to a casualty-free morning.
Essex Havard, Wales
| Fireworks in the wrong hands can be fatal |
This is a long time coming, it's about time. Fireworks in the wrong hands can be fatal. If sick people can be stupid enough to make nail bombs out of them that can kill or maim innocent people then they should be regulated and treated like explosives or firearms like the sale of bullets. There should be a mandatory sentence of 10 years for anyone who is caught with fireworks without a licence, 20 years for someone caught misusing them and a life sentence for someone who injures another person or persons with a firework. Fireworks should be regulated.
AL, UK I plan to have a big firework display at my wedding in 2005. If by then the our government have banned them I will simply import them from abroad over the internet. Another example of a patronising government that is obsessed with control.
Jock, UK
It's reassuring to see that after so long, government and police priorities could finally now going to be in the right place. The more officers taken away from the investigation of murders, rapes, and burglaries to be reassigned of focus on the use of fireworks, the safer the public will be.
Mark, UK
One of the big problems with firework displays is the insurance...our local pub cannot afford it this year. This means more people will fireworks at home and will be at risk of having an accident.
Mrs T,UK
Here in the state of New York, and throughout most of the North Eastern states, the purchase of fireworks by private individuals is prohibited by law. Firework displays are organized by private associations and municipalities. This seems to work well, although there are instances of individuals getting hold of illegal fireworks. Generally though, this law prevents the sale of dangerous explosives, and we seldom if ever hear about people or pets being injured by fireworks. I do believe that England would benefit from a similar ban on fireworks, and I feel that many would agree.
John, Ex Pat Man of Kent, New Rochelle, NY, USA.
| I love a bonfire night party as much as anyone but it's clear firework abuse has gone too far |
Those whining about the nanny state should read the new regulations again. How can anyone object to an 11pm limit and a ban on sale to under-18's? I love a bonfire night party as much as anyone but it's clear firework abuse has gone too far and restrictions are necessary.
D Jones, England Does banning the possession of fireworks by under 18s mean that my nieces and nephews (15 years old down to 3 years old) will no longer be able to wave sparklers on bonfire night? Instead of trying to prevent the irresponsible use of fireworks, why not bring in truly draconian remedies for those who cause trouble with them.
Bryn Roberts, Yorkshire, UK
It is very sad that it has come to this! Never again will we be able to celebrate an important personal occasion: weddings, significant birthdays etc, with a firework display. My wife's 30th birthday (in July!) went down very well with the whole village. What a shame!
Alex, UK
Yet again the government wants to ban something to all on the basis that they are unable to police their licences to retail outlets and prosecute those who abuse fireworks. Why should my responsible use of fireworks be stopped and my enjoyment of them ended simply because authorities and the police are unable to do their job effectively? There are no organised displays near me nor can I see why my use of fireworks can't be throughout the year for birthdays of to celebrate the new year.
Ian, Scotland
Fireworks are for babies - I've seen them and never need to again in my life. They shouldn't be on sale at all - only to licensed organisations. Main reason - people have no thought or respect for anyone but themselves so we have a firework season that now lasts months.
John, England
| Again, it the minority spoiling it majority |
Again, it the minority spoiling it majority. Yes fireworks are dangerous, especially when treated without care, but so are cigarettes and they certainly kill far more people than fireworks ever have. Why don't we ban cigarettes as well?
Mark, UK I witnessed two men this week outside a shop that sold mainly fireworks arguing about how much they had to spend (it was a few days before the next Giro came through). Both were heavily intoxicated and in my opinion unfit to purchase, transport or use fireworks.
Carol A Partington, York, UK
Why 18? Why not set an age of say 25. It's easier to tell who is 25 and who is 18 going on 12. In Cardiff so far this year a number of bus stops and telephone boxes have been blown up. Not the actions of the "ah.... pretty" fireworks but calculated criminal actions.
Phil, UK
Fireworks are sold the whole year round and are let off at all times of the day. Over the past two weeks fireworks have been let off as late /early as 1.00am. Yes we do need some regulation governing the use of fireworks and times of use, but i am not sure how this would be policed. This does not go far enough to do any justice to the problem.
Cliff Taylor, UK
It is all very well calling for a shorter window for the sale of fireworks but this presupposes that the only reasons for fireworks are Guy Fawkes Night and New Years Eve. Many people across the country celebrate religious festivals with fireworks - such as Diwalhi from Mid October - how can it be justified to tell them that they can only use fireworks at prescribed celebrations? The public wanted fireworks for New Years celebrations but want to be able to restrict the sale of fireworks to the times when they themselves want to use them. This does not seem fair to me.
JDM, England
| It will only drive the business into illegal black market levels - keep it legal and open |
Fireworks are safe, if used properly and as directed. Alcohol is safe, if used properly. If we ban fireworks, lets ban alcohol as well - there are far more deaths and injuries each year caused by alcohol abuse and drunk driving. I agree with restricting sales to 18 or over, and also with limiting sales to a short period before Nov 5th, Dec 31st, and July 4th (for the Americans in our community). Air bombs should also be restricted. But ban sales - WHY? It will only drive the business into illegal black market levels - keep it legal and open.
Keith, UK Where we used to live kids made fireworks into bombs and then used to blow up cars with them. Teenagers actually sold imported fireworks at school provided to them by their parents. The kids where we live now wait until the pooper scooper bins are full then drop a firework into them - I'm not sure what the fine would be for that?
Anon
Fireworks should be banned completely from shops and only organised displays should be allowed.
Elizabeth Spencer, Great Britain
Restricting the time period in which Fireworks could help, but there would be nothing to stop people stockpiling them for other times of the year. The minimum age limit should also be set to 21.
Dave, UK
We think fireworks are very dangerous. Fire work displays are for the whole family to celebrate. Fireworks are not toys they are explosives, and everyone should know that.
Elise and Leah, South Wales
| I am sick and tired of getting home from work and wanting to relax, only to feel like I'm living in a war zone |
I have several pets including rabbits that don't seem bothered by fireworks going off at all. However, I am sick and tired of getting home from work and wanting to relax, only to feel like I'm living in a war zone until about 3am. I like bonfire night, and enjoy the fireworks and festivities on that day. I don't want it for six months of the year. As usual with this sadly deteriorating country, if you let people have their own way, they abuse that right at your expense.
JP, UK I am putting on my first ever home fireworks display; I've spent fifty pounds and got about 50 fireworks. Some powerful, some not. My three children and three nieces and nephews are looking forward to it and I am being as careful as possible. But I think that I got them very easily and with no questions or advice given. Maybe a free home display licence recording who buys what would help. And it would make people think about what they're doing.
Lee, Fakenham Norfolk UK
Bonfire night appears to start in early September until end November in recent years. As the owner of a pet dog who is petrified of fireworks - I think that fireworks should only be allowed at organised displays between 19:00-21:00 in the week that November 5th falls. Many fireworks are being let off after pub closing time until early hours of the morning.
Peter, UK
When I was a child I used to love firework night and there were fewer incidents of anyone behaving irresponsibly. Nowadays there is less respect for other people and animals and there seems to be more twits throwing fireworks or behaving stupidly. I really believe that we should have licences for certain responsible people who will organise a firework party every 5/11. Fireworks are explosives, not toys.
Tina, UK
| 'Remember, remember, the fifth of November with a Politically Correct alternative' |
They may as well ban fireworks, now they've banned all the really good ones that I had when I was a kid, like bangers and those small rockets that sold in packets of 5 for �2 that screamed and shot off in any direction when you set them off, and air bombs that made a really loud 'bang!' The only ones left on sale now are rubbish like roman candles and fountains - what fun are they? 'Remember, remember, the fifth of November with a Politically Correct alternative.'
John, UK There we go again... Another way to keep us all in line, I think they should fine parents if the kids are behaving badly...
James Bryant, England
Bring in licensing for the shops selling fireworks. Then if that shop is found to have sold fireworks to under-age children or to have sold sub-standard imported fireworks then their licence can be revoked. Also, limit the period during which fireworks can be sold as there is no reason why fireworks should be on sale in the middle of September. Too many shops see fireworks as just a way of turning a quick profit between September and January and don't care who they sell them to.
Steve H,UK
This is not just a question of safety; it's about social responsibility too. You can divide fireworks into two classes - 1) loud and 2) showy. Yobs only buy the loud ones to cause disturbance and show off. Public sales should be restricted to small, showy and relatively quiet fireworks. Display fireworks should be restricted to registered display organisers. Restricting the use to before 11 is missing the point. What winds people up most is the continual noise for weeks on end.
Dave Lloyd, England
And what about the British firms who manufacture and sell fireworks, or even those who import from abroad? The Trade and Industry secretary is obviously happy for the redundancy notices to start being handed out as restricting the availability will no doubt have an affect on staff numbers.
Christina, England
| There are so many irresponsible idiots these days who can freely buy fireworks virtually all year round |
Yes, ban all but organised displays. I'm sure that fireworks are safe if handled by responsible people, but then so are guns and Semtex. Trouble is, there are so many irresponsible idiots these days who can freely buy fireworks virtually all year round. I don't actually care if they injure themselves by fooling around with fireworks, but I DO care that they injure and distress other people and animals and destroy property with them.
Elizabeth, England Instead of threatening the vast majority of the public with fines/arrest why not restrict the duration of sale of fireworks to the general public before Nov 5th? - say 5 working days before, and make it illegal to sell to ANYONE under 18? and/or penalise/refuse licenses to shops that repeatedly sell fireworks to under 18s? That way - bonfire night should remain as enjoyable as it always has been in the past.
Mitchell Rowley, Wales
The streets of this once fine country have become overrun with baseball cap clad youths wielding "bombs" for their own perverse, idiotic enjoyment. They have no fear of punishment - none exists.
Michael, UK
Careful Britain, you're already viewed as a bunch of stuffy old fuddy-duddies. May I suggest loosening your sensible cardigan, pop out and make some things go BANG for no reason but for the hell of it. (You might want to steer clear of Amsterdam for New Years Eve though).
Matt, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Noise pollution, causing a public disturbance, and irresponsible handling of dangerous substances, explosives and incendiaries, isn't it? Anybody acting stupidly can already be prosecuted and sentenced accordingly under present legislation and law, there is no need for any more silly red tape, or any need to kill off the firework manufacturing industry.
Mike R.,UK
| I was at a 'responsible' event last Saturday but was still struck by a piece of exploding firework |
Fireworks are inherently unsafe. Just go to any casualty department on 6 November and ask how many people have been injured by fireworks that were used in a 'responsible' manner. I was at a 'responsible' event last Saturday but was still struck by a piece of exploding firework, luckily only on the hand.
Ian Marlow, UK If a ban on fireworks stops one person getting maimed, then it'll be a good thing. Anyone who wants to see them, go to an organised display. Grow up. You can live without setting them off in your garden.
Bob, UK
In my opinion this doesn't go far enough. Last week, my dog was so terrified by fireworks going off at 5pm in a nearby garden that he bolted, was hit by a car and died a few hours later. Fireworks now are far more powerful than they were 5 or 10 years ago. Public sales should be banned; fireworks should be set off in official displays only.
Cary, UK
Correct me if I am wrong, but wasn't it this Government who allowed the sale of fireworks all year round 'for the Millennium'? In my opinion, it was this pandering to the popular vote that made this situation as bad as it has become. All they are now doing is trying to undo some of the damage that has caused.
Jess, UK
How can Patricia Hewitt draft in these new laws and expect them to work? The ONLY SURE way of stopping fireworks is not to SELL them to the general public altogether. Bonfires and firework displays should only be done under supervision in public places such as a park where everything can be controlled.
M Barlow, England
I personally would like to see tighter controls and a much shorter window for the permitted sale and use of fireworks. I'm sure that my pets - who are terrified, despite being given tranquilisers - would agree.
Dee, Scotland
| I think that fireworks should be graded |
I think that fireworks should be graded (if they aren't already) and then only certain grades of fireworks should be on sale to the public at certain times. E.g. Catherine Wheels and Small rockets should be available in major shops (I agree that corner shops should not be allowed to sell them). With larger fireworks only allowed to be seen at organised displays and let off by people with a special fireworks license. Maybe that's another idea - only people with firework licenses should be allowed to purchase them. (Same as a gun license).
HU, Wales I believe that the sale of all fireworks should be banned and that only regulated public displays should be allowed.
Felicity, UK
The main problem as I see it, apart from the misuse issue, is the loud bangs which occur late at night. Restricting public sale to small scale fireworks with limited noise would still allow for a 'show' in a normal-sized garden without affecting a whole neighbourhood. Hours should be restricted to dusk to 10.30pm with the exception of New Year when 12.30 would be appropriate.
Stephen, England
Fireworks are dangerous. However, they are no more dangerous than a car. If either are used recklessly or by those who've had a few too many drinks they can kill and maim.
It is sad that we can't trust ourselves, because a small minority will use it to become a menace.
SD,UK
As someone who, along with many others, has had to endure the constant noise of fireworks since September! I'd love to know who is selling them at that time? I welcome any move that restricts the sale of these explosives (for want of a better word) to anyone. As has already been mentioned here - ban the public from buying them, or failing that limit the sale of fireworks to 7 days before bonfire night. Give us all some peace.
Tony, UK
| We all know such rules will never be enforced and such penalties never imposed |
More regulations and higher penalties are cheap ploys politicians use to get publicity.
We all know such rules will never be enforced and such penalties never imposed. Consider tobacco sales, everyone, including the police and trading standards, knows that many, perhaps most shops sell cigarettes to children. How else could there be so many under-age nicotine addicts? Yet has anyone ever known of a shop having its licence to sell tobacco removed for this reason?
I see no reason to think new laws related to fireworks would be any different.
Richard Caley, Scotland Fireworks are not safe.
They are explosives - nothing less. They all contain the materials to make a lethal weapon and that is exactly what these "yobthugs" are. There is no point to setting fireworks off in public places, telephone boxes, car exhausts, letterboxes or any other place.
Rockets are not accurate and when fired they travel at incredible speeds several hundred feet into the air, or in some other direction - they fall like an arrow at equally great speeds and can reach temperatures beyond comprehension - they can kill. Bangers, or whatever you wish to call them, explode with such power they can destroy the human eye - they are often thrown at cars, people, animals and all-sorts of other innocent targets.
Enough is enough. Ban these explosives and let us all have a bit of peace and quiet.
Rob, England
What's next, a law requiring all of us to be wrapped up in cotton wool so we don't injure ourselves? What an absolutely stupid idea, as if an irresponsible person is going to think 'Oh, it's after 11pm, I'll be breaking the law if I set off these fireworks!' In your dreams, Big Brother!
Susan, UK
I always loved bonfire night we used to have a big party. People would only celebrate it the weekend before, on the night and then the weekend after. Now it is every single night for two weeks preceding and three weeks after. It's frightening walking down the road when you see a gang of kids messing about with them. I also have cats and a small baby, so these new laws will hopefully bring some peace of mind for me.
Bec, UK
| It is the responsibility of parents to make their children aware of the dangers |
Another aspect of the nanny state. No doubt this will be a precursor to the removal of fireworks for sale to the public. The number of injuries are very small and it is the responsibility of parents to make their children aware of the dangers. The state should not spoil it for the majority to satisfy the whining of another vocal minority.
Darren, UK Every year I have to put headphones on my poor dogs because of wretched fireworks. I play them Bach to steady their nerves, but they're clearly unhappy. I'd lock up all the firework people AND set off a banger in their cell.
Helena De Marcos, UK
I think the sale of all fireworks to the public should be brought in, then at least a firework display could be properly organised so everyone gets safety with enjoyment, bring in firework licences, you need a licence to hold a gun, so why not fireworks?
Gary, England
Yes they are. Its the idiots who use them for the wrong purpose and end up hurting others and spoiling it for everyone else.
Grant, Teesside UK
As an astronomer, I have come to fear and loathe the fifth of November, when my lens is smeared with the primary-coloured sparks that so delight the slack-jawed masses. If you want to do fireworks, do them in a barn or something, and stay away from my sky.
Patrick Bumstead, UK
No, why bother, teenagers take no notice of the laws saying don't steal cars and ransack sheds so why give them another law to flout, the only people to take notice of a law will be us law abiding citizens who wouldn't let fireworks off after 11pm anyway!
NW, UK
Yes ban them! But also ban beds (three people a year on average die by falling out of beds), ban stairs (17 people a year on average die by falling down stairs), ban hair dryers (five people on average a year die using hair dryers). My point is this country is becoming such nanny state, it's stupid! If any MPs are reading this: please, please can we have common sense return to our country and stop laws being passed that only apply to a stupid few. I read the other day on the BBC web site the Poppy sellers should stop giving away pins as they can be sued - is it me or has this country gone completely mad!!
Stephen, GB
More laws, more restrictions, less natural justice. Thank you nanny for protecting me. I love fireworks, have used them every bonfire night, xmas eve, new years eve & birthday since I was a kid. I have never hurt myself, or anyone else for that matter. Thank God this Government is going to protect me from myself now.
Roger, England
| Unfortunately, more and more it seems they are getting into the hands of irresponsible people |
Fireworks are safe if treated with respect. Unfortunately, more and more it seems they are getting into the hands of irresponsible people, either by unscrupulous retailers selling to underage kids, or kids asking adults to buy on their behalf. Also, the Guy Fawkes period seems to be extending year by year. I wish people would try to limit setting off fireworks to the day itself. It really is a pain in the backside hearing fireworks go off every night for two weeks on the trot. As for making it a criminal offence for under 18s to possess fireworks, yep, why not. The irresponsible ones have spoiled it for the rest.
Sandy, UK I think these new laws could work. My only doubt is with there not being enough Police to ensure this law is brought into force. My area is supposed to be policed on a daily basis due to the problems we have with teenagers running riot and causing trouble. I haven't seen any Police for a long time and we have experienced loud rockets and air bombs being thrown up and down the backstreet, plus the usual vandalism and abuse, which started over three weeks ago. More Policing is needed in areas with known teenage problems, that way this law can be enforced.
Anon, UK
I really don't think a fine will deter the vandals and louts. Most anti-social problems seem to occur in council estates where the criminal element simply don't respect or obey laws. In my opinion the government should force the young delinquents into a modern national service where they can experience the joys of fighting and explosions in a highly disciplined environment.
Victor, UK
Where I live we have to suffer continual fireworks from late October to early January, usually being let off by young adults in the streets which can be both frightening and dangerous for other people. I am past caring whether the people playing with the fireworks are injured. I can see no justification for selling fireworks to the public, and they should be restricted to organised and licensed displays.
Tom, England
Yes, fireworks are safe - it's the people who use them who are often not!
Lee, UK
I'd recommend the government go even further, not an outright ban but rather an even more severe restriction on sales. How? Only allow several big shops in a town to sell fireworks, i.e. each major supermarket (or DIY store even) chain is allowed to have one shop in town that can sell fireworks. Remove small stockists i.e. corner shops as they're far more likely to sell them to children (in the same way that many shopkeepers sell alcohol to minors).
Al Smith, UK
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