Noise from fireworks

If you want to set off fireworks, there are a number of restrictions you must comply with. These are stated in the Fireworks Regulations of 2004 (as amended).

Among the regulations are the following:

  • Under-18s may not possess adult fireworks in a public place 
  • Suppliers cannot sell category three fireworks with sound levels exceeding 120 decibels 
  • You may not use adult fireworks during the night (11pm to 7am) except on certain dates (see below)

Special occasions

You can set off fireworks later on certain special occasions.

  1. Chinese new year – the ban on using fireworks is between 1am and 7am
  2. Guy Fawkes' Night  (5th November) – the ban is between midnight and 7am 
  3. Diwali – the ban is between 1am and 7am 
  4. New Year's Eve – the ban is between 1am and 7am

Diwali/Chinese new year dates

These dates vary from year to year. For the next few years, they are as follows:

Diwali

  • 5 November 2010
  • 26 October 2011
  • 13 November 2012
  • 3 November 2013
  • 23 October 2014

Chinese New Year

  • 14 February 2010
  • 3 February 2011
  • 23 January 2012
  • 10 February 2013
  • 31 January 2014

Enforcement

South Gloucestershire Trading Standards is responsible for enforcing regulation 8 – the ban on excessively loud category three fireworks.

The police are responsible for enforcing the following regulations:

  • Regulation 4 – the ban on under-18s possessing fireworks in public places
  • Regulation 5 – the ban on possessing a category four firework unless you are a fireworks professional
  • Regulation 7 – the ban on the use of certain fireworks during night hours
 

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