This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Consultation on fireworks regulations
23/04/2004
Draft regulations to combat the misuse of fireworks were
published today.
The proposals include the introduction of a curfew on
the use of fireworks during anti-social hours and the
licensing of fireworks vendors.
Commenting on the proposals, Finance and Public Services
Minister Andy Kerr said:
"The Executive is committed to tackling the
inappropriate and irresponsible use of fireworks. Their
misuse can seriously affect the quality of people's lives
and instead of bringing excitement they can often bring
about fear and apprehension in the community.
"In a modern Scotland it is completely unacceptable that
a small minority can cause distress to people and animals.
This is blighting our communities and can have harmful
long-term consequences for victims. That is why the
Executive has been working hard with the Department of
Trade and Industry to introduce regulations under the
Fireworks Act to stamp out this irresponsible
behaviour."
The draft regulations are contained in a consultation
document issued jointly by the Scottish Executive and the
Department of Trade and Industry. The regulations will be
made under the Fireworks Act 2003. Scottish Ministers will
be responsible for introducing a curfew on the use of
fireworks. It is proposed to prohibit the use of fireworks
between 11 pm and 7 am, with the exemption of 5 November,
31 December, Diwali night and Chinese New Year. Local
authorities would be allowed to grant dispensations to the
curfew for special local occasions.
It is proposed that further regulations, extending to
Scotland, would be introduced by Department of Trade and
Industry Ministers to introduce the licensing of fireworks
suppliers.
These will build on regulations introduced in December
to prohibit the possession of fireworks by those under the
age of 18 in public places and of the most powerful
fireworks by members of the public in public places.
In addition the supply of air bombs to the general
public will shortly be prohibited.
The closing date for the consultation is 2 July.
Copies of the consultation document, Fireworks
Regulations 2004, are available at:
www.scotland.gov.uk/consultations