The Scottish government has published The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill, which proposes tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks and the misuse of pyrotechnics.
The Bill follows the report of an independent Firework Review Group, which recommended tightening legislation to reduce the harm fireworks can cause.
An analysis of the public consultation, published in December 2021, showed strong support for key measures in the Bill among those who responded.
The Bill’s proposals include:
- a new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks and pyrotechnics to under-18s to ensure adults do not purchase such products on behalf of children.
- restricting the days fireworks can be sold to and used by the general public.
- a new power for local authorities to designate firework control zones, where it is not permitted for the public to use fireworks.
- the introduction of a fireworks licensing system.
- a new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic while at, or travelling to, certain places or events, without reasonable excuse.
Community Safety Minister, Ash Regan, said: “We have undertaken a significant programme of engagement and evidence gathering which has demonstrated strong public support for tougher action.
“We have already moved quickly to introduce regulations restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.
“This Bill demonstrates our absolute commitment to further improve safety for communities across Scotland.”
The proposed Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill is in addition to regulations, which came into force at the end of June, restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public.
