The UK government has announced a ban on extremely loud fireworks for public use, restricting them to professional displays. The Department for Business and Trade introduced the measure following a consultation on proposals to curb fireworks use, aiming to reduce distress to veterans, pets, livestock, and wildlife.
New Rules to Limit Noise
The ban will prohibit the general public from using fireworks classified as 'extremely loud', limiting such products to licensed professional displays. The government says the move addresses concerns consistently raised by residents, charities, emergency services, and animal welfare organisations about excessively noisy fireworks set off without warning in residential areas.
Impact on Veterans and Animals
Chloe Mackay, CEO of Combat Stress, said: 'Fireworks can be triggering for veterans. The sudden loud noises, unexpected flashes and the smell of lingering smoke can bring back painful and traumatic memories of combat. It’s no surprise that we see a higher rate of distress in veterans accessing our services during firework season.' She added that tighter restrictions would help affected individuals plan coping strategies.
Helen Whitelegg, Campaigns Manager for Redwings Horse Sanctuary, noted that over 95% of more than 5,000 UK horse owners surveyed wanted tighter regulations, with loud bangs cited as the most significant risk factor. She recalled the loss of three rescued horses due to loud fireworks and welcomed the government consultation.
Consultation Details
The consultation proposes targeted reforms including restricting the loudest fireworks to professional use, reviewing the banned list of pyrotechnic products, and considering updates to requirements for lower-risk products. The government says these proposals aim to tackle noise and antisocial behaviour while protecting organised displays that bring communities together.
Ministerial Statement
Kate Dearden, Minister for Consumer Protection, said: 'Extremely loud fireworks used by individuals at all hours of the day and night has become a nightmare for many communities in recent years. The sound of large explosions on residential streets is a cause of fear, disrupted sleep, and does huge harm to our beloved pets.' She emphasised that professional displays would continue, but the sale of loud fireworks would be limited to licensed events.
