This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Fireworks crackdown by Executive
04/11/2002
The Executive is determined to crack down on problems
caused by irresponsible use of fireworks in communities,
Minister for Finance and Public Services Andy Kerr said
today.
He had earlier responded to a Parliamentary Question on
the Executive's response to a report by CoSLA's Fireworks
Group into the problems associated with fireworks.
Mr Kerr said the Executive is examining a range of
options to tighten the irresponsible sale and use of
fireworks and to tackle reckless users and selfish
vendors.
Mr Kerr said:
"The Executive is committed to stamping out the injuries
and misery which can be caused to families and pets by the
irresponsible use of fireworks.
"Fireworks enhance special occasions for people across
our comunities to enjoy. Unfortunately, firework misuse is
a growing problem which can blight communities up and down
Scotland. I am aware of concerns. I understand those
concerns. I share them.
"The threat posed to the safety - and quality of life
- of our communities by firework misuse is a serious issue.
Every year, this issue is highlighted. Too many people are
still suffering firework-related injuries - more than 80
victims in Scotland last year testifies to that.
"Young people fooling around with fireworks - whether
they intend to cause harm or not - are part of the problem.
But we need to address the supply of fireworks and that
means tackling the irresponsible retailers who are abusing
the code of practice and selling fireworks to underage
people. In their abuse of the current voluntary code of
practice, irresponsible vendors are drinking in the
last-chance saloon.
"That is why I am urgently looking at the powers
available to us to control the misuse of fireworks to
target those directly responsible. All possible actions -
including the introduction of licensing - are being
considered. We are determined to tighten the irresponsible
sale and use of fireworks. Reckless users and selfish
vendors are our targets.
Mr Kerr responded to the following Parliamentary
Question on October 31:
Shona Robison (North-East Scotland) (SNP):
To ask the Scottish Executive when it intends to respond to
the report produced by CoSLA's Fireworks Task Group.
Mr Andy Kerr:
I welcome the wide-ranging report that CoSLA has
produced. I am currently looking at what can be done wihtin
our powers to address the increasing problem of fireworks.
All possible options, including the licensing proposal
mentioned in the report, are being actively considered.