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Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Fireworks guidance
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The law relating to fireworks is changing with the Fireworks Act 2003 placing new restrictions on the use of fireworks. There is no specific law to deal with fireworks and the noise they make. Before 11pm, there are no controls on preventing the general public from carrying out a fireworks display as a general rule.
The Firework Regulations 2004
The Firework Regulations 2004 state that no person shall use an adult firework during night hours between 11pm to 7am except for permitted displays, displays for local authority’s or national public celebration. Exceptions have been made for celebrating special occasions, which include:
- Chinese New Year: 11pm – 1am
- 5th November: 11pm - 12am
- Diwali: 11pm – 1am
- New Years Eve: 11pm – 1am
Any person who is employed by, or in business as, a professional organiser or operator of firework displays can apply to Renfrewshire Council for a dispensation to allow them to use fireworks during night hours. This can only be granted where the applicant proposes to put on a fireworks display, or to use fireworks at a national public celebration or national commemorative event. If you wish to have a fireworks display after 11pm, then you must apply for a dispensation.
Fireworks Dispensation Application Form (pdf 898 Kb)*No fee is payable in terms of an application.
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It should be noted that:
- dispensations will only be given to someone who is employed by, or in business as, a professional organiser or operator of fireworks displays.
- application must be made at least six weeks prior to the date of the proposed fireworks display.
- if a dispensation is granted a public notice must be published in a local newspaper at least seven days before the event by the applicant.
- dispensation for displays after midnight will not normally be granted.
- Strathclyde Police will receive a copy of any dispensation granted and it is their duty to ensure that any dispensation is complied with.
- the name and address of the applicant,
- a description of the proposed firework display (e.g. type of celebration event, etc.),
- details of the fireworks that are to be used,
- the proposed location of the event, and
- the proposed time, date and duration of the fireworks display.
Appeals
If there are any issues with your application you should contact Trading Standards in the first instance using the contact details below.
Trade Associations
Find out more about fireworks and firework displays from the following trade associations:
Legislation
The following legislation also applies to fireworks in Scotland:
Sale and storage of fireworks
If you are a business that wishes a licence to sell or store fireworks, please refer to our dedicated webpage for further advice.
How to record a complaint against a trader
If you require to speak with an adviser for consumer advice, or to make a complaint about a trader:
- contact our partners, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
- If Consumer Direct advice does not resolve your complaint, they will refer it on to us for further investigation. Please note that, depending on the circumstances, it may take up to 10 working days before we can contact you.
- For further consumer advice please visit the Directgov website.
Alternatively, you can complete the following form and submit direct to Trading Standards:
- Consumer Complaint Reporting Form (PDF - 604kb)
Contact us
- email: ts.es@renfrewshire.gov.uk
- call in or write to us at:
- Renfrewshire Council
Environmental Services
Trading Standards
Renfrewshire House
Cotton Street
Paisley
PA1 1BR
