Brits warned of fireworks rule ahead of New Years Eve – as police say you could face 6 MONTHS behind bars
BRITS are being warned to take note of a firework rule ahead of New Years Eve – as cops warn you could face six months behind bars for breaches.
As the festive period wraps up, UK households are being warned that using fireworks outside of designated times, among other things, could have devastating consequences.
The designated times for setting off fireworks are not before 7am or after midnight.
If you do, you could be breaching serious antisocial behaviour laws.
And when buying fireworks, including sparklers, you can only do so from registered sellers for private use on specific dates.
These are the 15 October to 10 November, the 26 to 31 December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.
At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.
If you use or sell fireworks illegally, you could be fined an unlimited amount and put behind bars for up to a whopping six months.
The Met Police have warned the public about varying firework categories.
These include category one, which are dubbed “throwdown fireworks” like firecrackers and bangers.
Category two and three are retail “adult fireworks”.
And category four are professional-grade fireworks from speciality suppliers.
Guidance reads: “Anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks.
“Anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks.
“Anyone over 12 can buy Christmas crackers. Only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category 4 fireworks.
“Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place.”
The stern warnings come after the chaotic Bonfire Night in November that led to a number of arrests relating to fireworks.
In one example, a hooded man with a homemade rocket launcher shot fireworks at people in Birmingham.
Three teenage boys aged 17, 18, and 19 were arrested in Birmingham over the Bonfire Night chaos.
And in Edinburgh, Manchester and Glasgow too, yobs hurled fireworks at riot cops on Guy Fawkes night.
In Manchester, shocking footage showed louts making barricades from mattresses and pallets in clashes with police.
Youths in the city started an illegal bonfire with waste and a motorbike, torched a car and hurled fireworks at emergency services.
Three teen males, aged between 16 and 18, were arrested on suspicion of causing violent disorder.
One bizarre scene from Edinburgh showed a yob putting a firework in his mouth.
Preparing pets for fireworks
- Safe Haven: Create a quiet area where your pet feels secure, filled with bedding and toys they love. Introduce them to this space weeks in advance.
- Sound Therapy: Gradually accustom your furry friend to firework sounds by playing recordings at a low volume and increasing it over time. Pair this with treats or toys.
- Pheromones: Use pheromone diffusers or sprays to create a calming atmosphere. Start a week or two before fireworks.
- Routine Adjustment: Shift dog walks to earlier in the day and encourage cats to stay indoors during evenings in the weeks leading up to fireworks.