Million-Signature Petition on Fireworks Regulations Submitted to Downing Street

A petition signed by one million individuals, advocating for stricter controls on fireworks, is scheduled to be presented at Downing Street by a woman later today. Julie Doorne, a resident of Grantham, Lincolnshire, seeks to limit the use of fireworks exclusively to traditional celebratory occasions, including Bonfire Night, citing concerns over their effects on animals and susceptible individuals. The petition, supported by the RSPCA, additionally proposes a decrease in the permissible maximum decibel limit. Conversely, the British Fireworks Association stated that modifying existing regulations would be “misguided,” noting that surveys indicate a majority of the public enjoys fireworks. Currently, deploying fireworks between 23:00 and 07:00 is prohibited by law, with exceptions made for 5 November, New Year’s Eve, Diwali, and Chinese New Year. Ms Doorne commented that fireworks are anticipated on these specific dates, but further asserted: “You don’t expect somebody to set off fireworks in the middle of the year and you can’t prepare your animals or your vulnerable relatives for that.“Something has got to be done, because they are allowed to be used 365 days a year for 16 hours of every day and we don’t think that that’s a balance.” The campaign’s aims encompass lowering the decibel threshold from 120 to 97, mandating noise level disclosures on product packaging, and requiring licenses for all public firework exhibitions. A report published by the Social Market Foundation earlier this month revealed that three quarters of those surveyed expressed enjoyment of fireworks, yet 91% indicated receptiveness to their partial substitution with “alternative” displays, including lasers, drones, and silent or low-noise fireworks. Furthermore, 7% believed fireworks should be prohibited entirely, 44% advocated for the banning of private displays, and 34% requested more stringent limitations on their permissible usage times. Ms Doorne remarked, “I wouldn’t get over a million signatures if everyone was happy about this.” According to a retailer, fireworks are gaining popularity for a variety of occasions. Mike Carter, from Discount Fireworks in Hull, noted that consumers have begun purchasing fireworks for events like gender reveals and weddings, alongside conventional festivals. He stated that the industry has been “working hard” to manage noise levels, adding that “some domestic appliances were louder than fireworks.” However, public awareness regarding the impact on animals and other individuals is also increasing. Mr Carter observed: “You’ll get people coming in saying they’ve got dogs or horses near them and will ask for a low noise box that is just colourful with no bangs.” The RSPCA commented that Ms Doorne’s proposal “could make a seismic difference for animals.” The charity reported that 55% of pet owners “dread the fireworks season,” and 43% “change their lifestyle due to unexpected fireworks.” Carrie Stones, the campaign manager, stated: “For many animals the dazzling spectacle of fireworks, and particularly the loud bangs, can become a terrifying ordeal. “It’s never about trying to spoil people’s fun, but the impact of fireworks on animals can be devastating and we believe that more responsible use, and tighter restrictions, will go a long way to making sure less animals suffer.” The British Fireworks Association serves as the representative body for most manufacturers and importers of consumer fireworks. Chairman Steve Raper affirmed that the organization endorses the “safe, respectful, and responsible use of fireworks” and “understood” the worries of individuals “adversely affected” by “misuse.” Nevertheless, he argued that restricting usage dates would have a “significant impact” on cultural celebration periods, and that requiring licenses for public displays might discourage organizers due to “time-consuming and expensive” processes. He mentioned that the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS) had investigated noise levels and concluded that most fireworks available in the UK market were considerably below the established limit. Furthermore, a Commons inquiry in 2019 received testimony suggesting that imposing restrictions could lead to the emergence of a black market. Mr Raper cautioned: “The UK would be flooded with illegal, untested and dangerous products.” He referenced an OPSS survey from 2021, which indicated that nearly two-thirds of respondents found fireworks enjoyable. He concluded that a “collaborative approach, involving all stakeholders” was “essential” for devising a solution that both addressed the concerns of those impacted and “preserving the right of the vast majority to enjoy fireworks responsibly.”