During December, concerns about the noise impacts of fireworks – on people, pets and wildlife have been raised both in debate in the UK parliament and with the Scottish government. A recent Westminster Hall debate on Fireworks Sale and use was held in response to recent petitions raising public concern. The chair of this debate concluded “A common theme of all Members’ speeches was that we must push the Government for stronger licensing, noise reduction and restrictions on sale, and for more enforcement powers to be given to our police and local authorities so that they can properly enforce the existing legislation and anything that comes down the line”. In addition, the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission have written to their Minister for Victims and Community Safety asking “what progress the Scottish Government has made towards the aim of educating the public on the availability of lower noise fireworks, as well as promoting lower noise fireworks as part of the proposed fireworks licensing training course.” In responding, the Scottish minister states “It is not within the power of the Scottish Parliament to legislate for a complete ban on the sale of fireworks. The current maximum legal noise level for fireworks is defined in UK-wide legislation, the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015. While we recognise that some retailers label fireworks as “silent” or “low noise” consultations with various stakeholders had confirmed that no formal standard or specification exists to identify or differentiate these products.”
