💡 Quick answer: Fireworks are legal in the UK in 2026. In England and Wales, the law hasn't changed since 2004 — you can buy consumer fireworks (categories F1, F2 and F3) from licensed shops year-round and set them off on any night until 11pm (later on Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year). Scotland has introduced stricter rules under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, including limited hours and Firework Control Zones. Northern Ireland has its own regulations under the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970. The UK Government has explicitly stated it has no plans to ban consumer firework sales.
Every year, the same headlines appear. "Fireworks to be BANNED!" … "New laws crack down on fireworks!" … "£90 fines for anyone caught!"
And every year, people get worried. Will they still be able to buy fireworks for their garden display? Is the government about to pull the plug on private fireworks altogether?
The short answer: no. But firework laws in the UK are spread across multiple Acts of Parliament, statutory instruments, and devolved legislation — and it pays to get it right. This guide covers all the legislation that applies to consumer fireworks across England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, complete with the penalties for breaking each rule.
Are Fireworks Legal in the UK?
Yes. Consumer fireworks — categories F1, F2 and F3 — are legal to buy and use across the United Kingdom. That covers everything from sparklers and fountains to powerful 1.3G rockets and compound cakes. You can browse and buy fireworks UK-wide from licensed retailers like Galactic Fireworks.
You must be 18 or over to buy or possess adult fireworks (categories F2 and F3). Category F4 fireworks are restricted to professional pyrotechnicians and are not sold to the public.
The main legislation governing fireworks across England and Wales is the Fireworks Act 2003 and the Fireworks Regulations 2004. Neither has been amended. The rules in 2026 are the same ones that have been in place for over twenty years. Scotland introduced additional controls through the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. Northern Ireland operates under separate legislation entirely.
The Fireworks Act 2003 — Full Breakdown
The Fireworks Act 2003 (c. 22) is the primary piece of legislation that gives the Secretary of State the power to regulate fireworks in England, Wales and Scotland. It doesn't contain the specific rules itself — instead, it establishes the framework under which the Fireworks Regulations 2004 (and any future regulations) are made.
The Act received Royal Assent on 18 September 2003. It was introduced following growing concerns about firework-related injuries, antisocial behaviour and disturbance to animals.
What the Act covers
Section 1 defines what counts as a "firework" for the purposes of the legislation. This is any device that produces visual or audible effects by combustion or explosion, excluding items specifically exempted by regulations.
Sections 2–7 grant the Secretary of State broad powers to make regulations covering:
- Who can buy fireworks — regulations can prohibit supply to people below a specified age (Section 3), and can require that buyers meet certain conditions (Section 5)
- When fireworks can be used — regulations can restrict use during specific hours of the day (Section 4)
- Where fireworks can be sold — regulations can require sellers to hold licences and meet storage requirements (Section 7)
- What fireworks can be sold — regulations can ban specific types of fireworks entirely, such as those exceeding noise limits (Section 5)
- Public displays — regulations can require notice to local authorities, fee payments, and that operators hold specific qualifications (Section 6)
Section 11 creates the criminal offences. Anyone who contravenes a prohibition or requirement imposed by fireworks regulations commits an offence, punishable on summary conviction by a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale (currently unlimited) or imprisonment for up to six months, or both.
Section 12 assigns enforcement duties. Trading Standards (through the weights and measures authorities) are responsible for enforcing supply and licensing rules. The Health and Safety Executive enforces storage requirements. Police have powers to issue fixed penalty notices for possession and use offences.
What the Act does NOT do
The Fireworks Act 2003 does not ban fireworks. It creates the legal mechanism through which specific restrictions can be imposed by secondary legislation (statutory instruments). The restrictions themselves are found in the Fireworks Regulations 2004.
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 — The Rules in Detail
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 (SI 2004/1836) contain the specific rules that most people think of as "firework law." They came into force on 7 August 2004 and apply to England and Wales (with some provisions extending to Scotland).
Here's what each regulation actually says:
Regulation 4 — Under-18s and possession
No person under 18 can possess an adult firework (F2, F3 or F4) in a public place. "Public place" means anywhere the public have or are permitted access, whether on payment or otherwise.
Regulation 5 — Category F4 fireworks
No person of any age can possess a category F4 (professional) firework, whether in public or private. The only exceptions are licensed professionals, manufacturers, suppliers, and enforcement officers listed in Regulation 6.
Regulation 7 — Curfew hours (England and Wales)
No person can use an adult firework during night hours, defined as the period from 11pm to 7am. There are four exceptions each year:
| Occasion | Permitted until |
|---|---|
| Bonfire Night (5 November) | Midnight |
| New Year's Eve (31 December) | 1am on 1 January |
| Diwali | 1am the following day |
| Chinese New Year | 1am the following day |
Outside these four occasions, all fireworks must stop by 11pm. Between 7am and 11pm, you can set off fireworks on any day of the year — there is no restriction to specific dates or occasions. If you're wondering why there are fireworks tonight, our guide covers every occasion that commonly triggers fireworks across the UK calendar.
Regulation 8 — The 120-decibel noise limit
Consumer fireworks (category F2 and F3) must not exceed 120 decibels when tested according to the methods specified in the regulations. Any firework exceeding this limit is classified as non-compliant and cannot legally be supplied, purchased, or possessed.
The 120dB limit is measured at a specific distance and under controlled conditions — it's the figure set by the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, which updated the original testing standard from BS 7114 to the European EN 15947 series.
Regulation 9 — Licensing for sellers
Anyone who sells adult fireworks must hold a licence from their local authority, except during the four seasonal windows:
- 15 October – 10 November (Bonfire Night season)
- 26 – 31 December (New Year's Eve)
- 3 days before Diwali
- 3 days before Chinese New Year
Licensed retailers like Galactic Fireworks can sell year-round. The licence requirement applies to the premises — sellers must either hold a valid explosives storage licence under the Explosives Regulations 2014, or fall within an exemption (e.g. the 50kg NEC threshold for temporary sellers).
The local authority must refuse a licence if the applicant doesn't comply with statutory storage requirements. It may refuse or revoke a licence if the applicant has committed a fireworks-related offence, including offences under the Fireworks Act 2003, the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015, or the Explosives Act 1875.
Regulation 10 — Seller obligations
Sellers must display a notice informing customers that it is a criminal offence to supply adult fireworks to anyone under 18, and that it is a criminal offence for anyone under 18 to possess adult fireworks. If the net explosive content (NEC) of a single transaction exceeds 50 kilograms, the seller must provide details to the local licensing authority on request.
Fines and Penalties — The Complete Table
The penalties for breaking firework laws are serious. Here's every offence and its maximum penalty:
| Offence | Legislation | Maximum penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Setting off fireworks during curfew hours (11pm–7am) | Fireworks Regulations 2004, Reg. 7 | £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Under-18 possessing adult fireworks in a public place | Fireworks Regulations 2004, Reg. 4 | £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Possessing category F4 (professional) fireworks | Fireworks Regulations 2004, Reg. 5 | £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Selling adult fireworks without a licence (outside seasonal windows) | Fireworks Regulations 2004, Reg. 9 | £5,000 fine and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Selling fireworks to under-18s | Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 | Unlimited fine and/or 6 months imprisonment |
| Throwing or setting off fireworks in a public place | Explosives Act 1875, s.80 | £5,000 fine |
| Possessing fireworks in a public place (adults, without reasonable excuse) | Fireworks Regulations 2004, Reg. 4 read with s.11 FA 2003 | £90 fixed penalty notice, or up to £5,000 on conviction |
| Supplying non-compliant fireworks (exceeding noise/safety limits) | Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 | Unlimited fine and/or 12 months imprisonment |
The £90 fixed penalty notice that regularly appears in headlines has been part of the regulations since 2004. Police can issue it on the spot for possession of fireworks in a public place without reasonable excuse. It's not a new law.
The important point: using fireworks responsibly in your own garden is perfectly legal. These penalties target antisocial behaviour — firing fireworks in the street, setting them off at 3am, or selling them to children.
The Explosives Regulations 2014 — Storage Rules
The Explosives Regulations 2014 (SI 2014/1638) replaced the older Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 and consolidated the rules on storing explosives, including fireworks.
What consumers need to know
If you buy fireworks for personal use, you can store up to 5 kilograms net explosive content (NEC) at home without any licence. The NEC is printed on the label of every firework — it's the weight of the explosive content alone, not the total weight of the product including the casing, tube, and packaging.
5kg NEC sounds like a lot, but it goes quickly. A small garden cake might have 200–400g NEC, but larger compound cakes can contain up to 4kg NEC in a single unit. That means one big compound could nearly fill your entire home storage allowance on its own. If you're planning a decent display, check the NEC on every product and add it up — you may be closer to the limit than you think. There's a detailed guide in our article on how much fireworks you can store at home.
Storage conditions
Even within the 5kg limit, fireworks must be stored safely:
- In a cool, dry place away from sources of heat or ignition
- Out of reach of children
- Away from flammable materials
- In their original packaging (don't remove fireworks from tubes or boxes)
- Not in living areas (a locked shed, garage, or outbuilding is ideal)
Above 5kg NEC
If you need to store more than 5kg NEC — for example, if you're buying in bulk for a large event — you need a licence from your local authority. Businesses like Galactic Fireworks hold full explosives storage licences issued by the Health and Safety Executive, allowing us to store much larger quantities in purpose-built, licensed facilities.
Firework Categories and Classifications Explained
This is where confusion often creeps in, because there are two separate classification systems that apply to fireworks in the UK.
Consumer categories (F1–F4)
These are the safety categories defined by the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 (which implemented the EU Pyrotechnics Directive 2013/29/EU). They determine how far away spectators must stand:
| Category | Name | Safety distance | Who can buy | Typical products |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Indoor/garden fireworks | 1 metre | Anyone aged 18+ (some items 16+) | Sparklers, party poppers, indoor fountains |
| F2 | Garden fireworks | 8 metres | Anyone aged 18+ | Small cakes, fountains, Roman candles |
| F3 | Display fireworks | 25 metres | Anyone aged 18+ | Large cakes, rockets, multi-shot barrages |
| F4 | Professional only | Specialist knowledge required | Licensed professionals only | Stage pyrotechnics, large-calibre shells |
Transport classifications (1.3G and 1.4G)
These are the UN hazard classifications under the ADR (Agreement for International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road) and apply to how fireworks are transported and stored:
- 1.4G — mass fire hazard. Lower hazard in transport. Most consumer fireworks fall into this category.
- 1.3G — mass explosion hazard. Higher hazard in transport, but still legal for consumers to buy and use.
A firework can be F2 (garden-safe) and 1.3G at the same time. The F-category tells you how far to stand back. The G-classification tells you how it must be transported and stored. Both 1.3G and 1.4G fireworks are completely legal for anyone aged 18+ to buy and use — no licence needed.
The distinction matters because some people see "1.3G" and assume these fireworks are restricted or require a licence. They don't. The classification relates to the product's behaviour if the entire packaging catches fire during transport, not to how it performs when you light it in your garden. Our guide on 1.3G vs 1.4G fireworks covers this in full.
Age Restrictions — Who Can Buy and Use Fireworks?
The age restrictions on fireworks in the UK are straightforward but strictly enforced:
- Under 18: Cannot buy or possess adult fireworks (F2, F3, F4) in a public place. Can possess F1 fireworks (sparklers, party poppers) but cannot buy them in some retail contexts.
- 18 and over: Can buy and use F1, F2 and F3 fireworks. No licence needed. No training required.
- F4 fireworks: Restricted regardless of age. Only available to professional pyrotechnicians with specialist knowledge and appropriate licences.
Enforcement
Retailers are legally obliged to check ID for anyone who appears to be under 25 (a "Challenge 25" approach is standard across the industry, though the legal requirement is 18). Selling fireworks to anyone under 18 carries an unlimited fine and up to six months imprisonment.
Online retailers must have age verification at the point of sale. At Galactic Fireworks, we verify age at checkout and again on delivery — the courier requires a signature from someone aged 18 or over.
Proxy purchasing
In England and Wales, buying fireworks on behalf of someone under 18 is not a specific offence under the Fireworks Regulations 2004 (though it could be treated as aiding and abetting). In Scotland, proxy purchasing is a specific criminal offence under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 — buying fireworks on behalf of someone under 18 carries the same penalties as selling to them directly.
The BFA's 10-Point Plan (April 2026) proposes raising the minimum purchase age to 21, though this has not been adopted by the government.
When Can You Set Off Fireworks? — Curfew Hours Explained
England and Wales
You can set off fireworks on any day of the year, at any time between 7am and 11pm. There is no restriction to specific dates or occasions — birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, gender reveals or just a Saturday night. The only rule is the time.
The four extended curfew nights are:
| Date | Fireworks permitted until |
|---|---|
| 5 November (Bonfire Night) | Midnight |
| 31 December (New Year's Eve) | 1am on 1 January |
| Diwali (date varies annually) | 1am the following day |
| Chinese New Year (date varies annually) | 1am the following day |
Setting off fireworks between 11pm and 7am (outside the four extended dates) is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
Scotland
Since the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, the permitted hours in Scotland are much tighter. You can only use adult fireworks between 6pm and 11pm — compared to 7am–11pm in England and Wales. The same four extended nights apply (midnight for Bonfire Night, 1am for the other three).
Using fireworks outside these hours in Scotland is a criminal offence, even on private property.
Local authority enforcement
Councils in England and Wales don't have the power to impose blanket firework bans or curfews beyond what's in the national legislation. However, they can take action through other routes:
- Environmental Protection Act 1990 (Section 79/80): If firework noise constitutes a "statutory nuisance," the council can serve an abatement notice. This is more likely to apply to repeated commercial use than a one-off garden display.
- Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014: Councils and police can issue Community Protection Notices (CPNs) or Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) targeting persistent nuisance behaviour, which could include repeated late-night firework use.
- Noise Act 1996: Some councils have adopted the Noise Act, allowing them to investigate and fine for excessive noise between 11pm and 7am — which overlaps with the firework curfew.
In Scotland, councils have an additional, significant power: the ability to designate Firework Control Zones (see the Scotland section below).
Scotland — The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022
Scotland has the most detailed fireworks legislation in the UK. The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 received Royal Assent on 10 August 2022, with provisions coming into force in phases through 2023–2024.
Consumer fireworks remain legal in Scotland — you can buy and use them. But the rules are materially different from England and Wales in several ways.
Restricted hours
Adult fireworks can only be used between 6pm and 11pm in Scotland. The extended nights are the same four occasions (Bonfire Night until midnight, the other three until 1am), but the tighter start time of 6pm (vs 7am in England) means no daytime firework use is permitted in Scotland.
Firework Control Zones (FCZs)
This is the most significant new power. Scottish local authorities can designate areas — including residential streets and neighbourhoods — as Firework Control Zones. Within an FCZ, all firework use is prohibited, including on private land and in private gardens. The only exception is if the council grants a specific exemption for an organised event.
Glasgow City Council was the first to implement FCZs, establishing three zones in 2025 covering Pollokshields, Govanhill and Broomhouse. These continue through 2026 and can be renewed annually. Other Scottish councils have the power to create their own FCZs.
If you live in Scotland, check with your local council whether your area is in a Firework Control Zone before planning a display.
Proxy purchasing
Buying fireworks on behalf of someone under 18 is a specific criminal offence in Scotland. This closes a gap in the England and Wales legislation, where proxy purchasing isn't explicitly covered by the Fireworks Regulations 2004.
Pyrotechnic articles in public
It's illegal to possess adult fireworks or pyrotechnic articles (including smoke bombs and flares) in any public place in Scotland without reasonable excuse. This is broader than the England and Wales rule, which focuses on under-18s in public places.
Penalties in Scotland
Offences under the 2022 Act carry fines of up to £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment — matching the England and Wales penalties. For persistent offenders or serious offences (such as using fireworks as weapons), the courts can impose a Firework Offence Prevention Order, which can ban an individual from purchasing, possessing, or using fireworks for a specified period.
Northern Ireland — Different Laws Entirely
Northern Ireland has its own fireworks legislation that predates the rest of the UK framework. The primary law is the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970 and the Explosives (Control of Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1970.
The key difference
In Northern Ireland, it is illegal to sell or supply fireworks to the general public without specific authorisation. Unlike the rest of the UK, there are no seasonal windows where temporary sellers can operate. All fireworks supply requires either a manufacturer's licence or an explosives certificate issued by the PSNI (Police Service of Northern Ireland).
In practice, this means consumer fireworks are significantly harder to buy in Northern Ireland than in England, Wales or Scotland. Indoor fireworks (sparklers, party poppers) are generally available, but aerial fireworks, rockets, and cakes require going through licensed channels.
Organised displays
Professional display operators in Northern Ireland must hold a firework operator's certificate. Local councils must be notified of public displays. The PSNI maintains oversight of all explosives licensing, including fireworks.
Practical implications
If you're in Northern Ireland and want fireworks for a private event — a wedding, birthday, or celebration — you'll typically need to work with a licensed pyrotechnic company who can supply and potentially fire the display. Self-fired garden displays of the type that are commonplace in England, Wales and Scotland are subject to additional licensing requirements.
What About Noise? — The 120dB Limit and the 90dB Debate
The current legal maximum noise level for consumer fireworks in the UK is 120 decibels, measured under controlled conditions specified in the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015.
To put that in context:
| Sound | Approximate dB |
|---|---|
| Normal conversation | 60 dB |
| Vacuum cleaner | 70 dB |
| Lawn mower | 90 dB |
| Rock concert | 110 dB |
| Current UK firework limit | 120 dB |
| Jet engine at 30 metres | 140 dB |
The decibel scale is logarithmic — every 10dB increase represents a doubling of perceived loudness. So 120dB is roughly 8 times louder than 90dB to the human ear.
The 90dB proposal
In 2024–2025, an online petition calling for the maximum noise level to be reduced from 120dB to 90dB gathered over 184,000 signatures. This was debated in Parliament and the government was asked to respond.
According to the BFA's April 2026 letter to Minister Kate Dearden, a 90dB limit would effectively ban around 95% of all consumer fireworks currently on the market. At 90dB — roughly the volume of a lawn mower — you can't propel a firework to a safe altitude and get a visible burst. The OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards) noise test report confirms this assessment.
As of April 2026, the government has not committed to reducing the noise limit. The BFA has written to Minister Kate Dearden (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Department for Business and Trade) seeking clarification on reports of a potential consultation, but no formal consultation has been announced.
Low-noise fireworks
If you're concerned about noise — particularly if you have neighbours with pets, or you're in a residential area — low-noise fireworks are a good option. These are engineered to produce visual effects with reduced audible impact, and are well within the current legal limits. Our guide to low-noise fireworks covers what's available. On the other hand, if maximum noise is what you're after, our loud fireworks collection features the biggest bangs and heaviest crackle effects in the range.
Local Authority Powers — What Councils Can and Cannot Do
A common misconception is that local councils can ban fireworks in their area. In England and Wales, they cannot impose blanket firework bans. Their powers are limited to:
What councils CAN do (England and Wales)
- Grant or refuse seller licences under the Fireworks Regulations 2004. They can refuse if the premises don't meet storage requirements or the applicant has relevant convictions.
- Enforce trading standards — inspect premises, test products, seize non-compliant fireworks.
- Issue Community Protection Notices (CPNs) under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to individuals causing persistent nuisance.
- Create Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) under the same Act, restricting activities in defined public areas (e.g. banning firework use in a specific park).
- Serve statutory nuisance abatement notices under the Environmental Protection Act 1990 for repeated, excessive noise.
- Receive notification of public firework displays (under Regulation 6 of the Fireworks Regulations 2004).
What councils CANNOT do (England and Wales)
- Ban fireworks across their entire area
- Restrict private use on private land (beyond the national curfew)
- Create their own curfew hours different from the national 11pm–7am rule
- Require individuals to hold licences to use consumer fireworks at home
Scotland — councils have broader powers
Scottish councils can designate Firework Control Zones where all firework use is prohibited, including on private property. This is a power that does not exist in England or Wales. Glasgow's three FCZs (Pollokshields, Govanhill, Broomhouse) are the first examples.
How UK Fireworks Law Compares to Other Countries
The UK sits in the middle ground internationally. Some countries have stricter rules; others are far more permissive. Here's how the main countries compare:
| Country | Can public buy consumer fireworks? | Restrictions | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK (England & Wales) | Yes, year-round from licensed shops | 11pm curfew, 18+ age limit, 120dB noise limit | Temporary sellers only during seasonal windows |
| UK (Scotland) | Yes, year-round from licensed shops | 6pm–11pm only, FCZs can ban all use, proxy purchasing illegal | Tightest rules in the UK |
| UK (Northern Ireland) | Very restricted | Requires PSNI authorisation for most fireworks | Effectively banned for casual consumer use |
| Republic of Ireland | No (banned for public) | All consumer fireworks illegal without a licence | BFA notes higher injury rate per capita than UK due to black market |
| Germany | 3 days per year only (28–31 Dec) | Heavy restrictions outside New Year's Eve period | Near-total ban for rest of year |
| Netherlands | Recently restricted | Moving toward total F2/F3 ban | BFA reports sharp increase in injuries since restrictions, due to illegal imports |
| France | F1 only without licence | F2–F4 require authorisation | Much more restrictive than UK for anything beyond sparklers |
| Australia | Banned in most states | Only Northern Territory allows public use (Territory Day only) | Permits required everywhere else |
| USA | Varies wildly by state | Texas, Florida: very permissive. California, Massachusetts: heavily restricted | No federal standard — 50 different rule sets |
| China | Restricted in major cities | Beijing, Shanghai: heavy restrictions. Rural areas: more permissive | Despite being the birthplace of fireworks |
| India | Legal with restrictions | "Green firework" mandates during Diwali, time restrictions | Enforcement varies significantly |
| Canada | Provincial patchwork | Some provinces allow low-hazard only. Municipal permission often required | Generally more restrictive than UK |
The key takeaway: the UK (specifically England and Wales) strikes a reasonable balance. You can buy consumer fireworks year-round from licensed retailers, use them on your own property without a licence, and put on your own display for any occasion. Compared to most of Europe, Australasia, and much of North America, that freedom is unusual.
International evidence on bans
The BFA's April 2026 letter cites two international case studies:
Republic of Ireland: Despite a full ban on consumer fireworks, Ireland experiences a higher firework injury rate per capita than the UK. The ban has driven demand underground, with consumers purchasing illegal, unregulated products through black market channels that have no safety testing, no CE marking, and no regulatory oversight.
Netherlands: The recent move toward banning F2/F3 consumer fireworks has led to a sharp increase in accident rates and serious injuries. Consumers are turning to high-powered illegal explosives smuggled into the country — products far more dangerous than the regulated consumer fireworks they replaced.
These cases support the argument that the regulated UK market, with its tested and CE-marked products, age verification, and established retail infrastructure, is safer than prohibition.
The Ban Debate — What's Actually Happening in 2026?
The petitions
Multiple petitions calling for firework restrictions have gained significant signatures in recent years:
- "Limit the sale of fireworks to council-approved events only" — 195,930 signatures (closed)
- "Reduce the maximum noise level from 120 to 90 decibels" — 184,218 signatures (open)
- "Limit sale and use to licence holders only" — 87,527 signatures (closed)
These have led to parliamentary debates and government responses.
The December 2024 debate
On 9 December 2024, MPs debated fireworks in Westminster Hall, led by Robbie Moore MP. The debate covered serious cases of misuse, including the tragic death of 88-year-old Josephine Smith, killed when teenagers posted lit fireworks through her letterbox in 2021. MPs called for better enforcement, potential licensing schemes, and more research.
The government's position
The government has responded consistently to all three major petitions:
"At this point in time the Government does not have any plans to ban the sale of fireworks to consumers."
— Department for Business and Trade, November 2025
The government has committed to engaging with businesses, consumer groups and charities to gather evidence, and to considering the experience of other countries. But it has not committed to a ban, a licensing scheme, or a reduction in the noise limit.
The BFA response (April 2026)
In April 2026, the British Fireworks Association wrote to Minister Kate Dearden in response to reports that the government may be considering a new consultation on firework legislation. The BFA's position:
- The 2019 Petitions Committee inquiry already heard evidence that further restrictions would drive the market underground
- A 90dB noise limit would ban approximately 95% of consumer fireworks — "prohibition by stealth"
- Over 20 million people enjoy fireworks safely every year
- The real issue is enforcement of existing laws, not new regulation
The BFA also put forward a 10-Point Plan as an alternative to further restrictions:
- Annual national safety awareness campaign (jointly funded by industry and government)
- Additional seasonal funding for enforcement agencies
- Better training for enforcement agencies in detecting illegal fireworks
- Raise minimum purchase age to 21
- Immediate takedown of illegal fireworks sold via social media
- Increased fines and tougher minimum sentencing
- Central contact point for reporting firework misuse
- Standardised injury reporting structure
- Better border control to prevent illegal imports
- Tougher sentencing for public misuse and use as weapons against emergency services
What's likely to happen?
Based on the current political position: no major changes are imminent. The government has been clear that a ban is not planned. Any potential noise limit review or licensing scheme would require formal consultation, which has not been announced. The most likely near-term changes are improved enforcement of existing laws and increased safety awareness campaigns.
Using Fireworks Responsibly
The best way to protect the future of consumer fireworks is responsible use. Every incident of misuse — firing in the street, setting off fireworks at 2am, selling to children — adds fuel to the ban campaigns.
- Stick to the curfew. 11pm on most nights. No exceptions outside the four extended dates.
- Respect your neighbours. Letting them know in advance is good practice, especially if they have pets or young children. (There is no legal requirement to notify neighbours — it's courtesy, not law.)
- Follow safety distances. 8 metres for F2, 25 metres for F3. These are minimums, not suggestions. Read our fireworks safety guide for the full firework code.
- Never give fireworks to under-18s. It's illegal and dangerous.
- Never use fireworks in public places. Gardens, private land, or organised events only.
- Choose low-noise options if you're in a residential area or your neighbours have pets.
- Store safely. Keep fireworks in a cool, dry place away from heat sources. Read our storage guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time is it illegal to set off fireworks in the UK?
In England and Wales, fireworks cannot be used between 11pm and 7am on most days. On Bonfire Night (5 November), the curfew extends to midnight. On New Year's Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year, it extends to 1am. In Scotland, fireworks can only be used between 6pm and 11pm (with the same extended hours on the four special occasions). Setting off fireworks outside permitted hours is a criminal offence carrying a fine of up to £5,000 or six months imprisonment.
Are fireworks being banned in the UK?
No. The UK Government has explicitly stated it has no plans to ban consumer firework sales. There are ongoing petitions and parliamentary debates about noise limits and enforcement, but no legislation to restrict or ban consumer fireworks has been introduced. The most significant recent change was Scotland's 2022 Act, which tightened hours and introduced Firework Control Zones — but fireworks remain legal to buy and use in Scotland.
Do you need a licence to set off fireworks at home?
No. You do not need a licence to buy or use F1, F2 or F3 consumer fireworks on private property. You must be 18 or over. Category F4 fireworks are restricted to licensed professionals. You may need a licence to store more than 5kg net explosive content (NEC) at home under the Explosives Regulations 2014.
What fireworks are illegal in the UK?
Category F4 (professional) fireworks are illegal for the public to possess. Fireworks exceeding the 120dB noise limit or failing to meet the safety standards in the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 are illegal to supply. Air bombs, bangers, and certain other devices were specifically banned under the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997. All fireworks sold in the UK must carry a CE or UKCA mark.
Can you set off fireworks on any day of the year?
Yes, in England and Wales you can set off fireworks on any day of the year. There is no legal restriction to specific occasions. The only rule is timing — between 7am and 11pm on most days, with extended hours on Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. In Scotland, the hours are 6pm to 11pm, and Firework Control Zones may impose additional restrictions.
What is the law on fireworks in Scotland?
Scotland has additional rules under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. Fireworks can only be used between 6pm and 11pm (with the same four extended-hours occasions). Local councils can designate Firework Control Zones where all firework use is banned, including in private gardens. Proxy purchasing (buying fireworks for under-18s) is a specific offence. Possessing fireworks or pyrotechnic articles in public places without reasonable excuse is illegal.
Are fireworks legal in Northern Ireland?
Consumer fireworks are heavily restricted in Northern Ireland under the Explosives Act (Northern Ireland) 1970. Selling fireworks to the general public requires specific PSNI authorisation. There are no seasonal windows for temporary sellers like in England and Wales. Indoor fireworks (sparklers, party poppers) are generally available, but aerial fireworks typically require going through licensed channels.
What is the difference between 1.3G and 1.4G fireworks?
1.3G and 1.4G are UN transport hazard classifications, not consumer safety categories. 1.4G fireworks are classed as a mass fire hazard in transport; 1.3G fireworks as a mass explosion hazard. Both are completely legal for anyone aged 18+ to buy and use. A firework can be F2 (garden-safe, 8m safety distance) and 1.3G at the same time — the two systems measure different things.
How much fireworks can you legally store at home?
You can store up to 5kg net explosive content (NEC) at home without a licence under the Explosives Regulations 2014. NEC is the weight of explosive content only, not the total weight of the firework. Above 5kg NEC, you need an explosives storage licence from your local authority.
Can neighbours complain about fireworks?
Yes. Neighbours can report illegal firework use to the police non-emergency number (101) if fireworks are being set off outside permitted hours. They can also complain to the local council, which may investigate under environmental protection laws if the noise constitutes a statutory nuisance. However, there is no legal requirement to notify neighbours before setting off fireworks, and using fireworks within permitted hours on private property is lawful.
What are Firework Control Zones?
Firework Control Zones (FCZs) are areas designated by Scottish local authorities under the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022 where all firework use is prohibited — including on private property and in private gardens. Glasgow has three FCZs (Pollokshields, Govanhill and Broomhouse). This power currently exists in Scotland only and does not apply in England, Wales or Northern Ireland.
What is the maximum noise level for fireworks in the UK?
The legal maximum is 120 decibels, measured under the controlled test conditions specified in the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015. There has been a petition to reduce this to 90dB, but the government has not committed to any change. The BFA has stated that a 90dB limit would effectively ban around 95% of consumer fireworks currently on the market.
Key Legislation Reference List
For anyone who wants to read the actual legislation:
- Fireworks Act 2003 — the enabling Act for England, Wales and Scotland
- Fireworks Regulations 2004 — the specific rules on curfews, age limits, licensing, and supply
- Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 — earlier regulations covering supply to under-18s and banned firework types
- Explosives Regulations 2014 — storage rules, licensing thresholds, and NEC limits
- [Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015](https://www.legislatio
