The government has announced plans to prohibit the purchase of noisier fireworks by the general public, proposing a significant reduction in the decibel level of rockets available for consumer use. Ministers aim to cut the permitted noise level for fireworks sold in shops by approximately 50%, lowering the standard from 120 A-weighted decibels (dBAimp) to 110 dBAimp.
Consumer protection minister Kate Dearden stated that the proposed measures are intended to tackle the "key harms" associated with fireworks. The current regulations permit the sale of certain types of fireworks—Categories F1, F2, and F3—from non-specialist retailers during specific periods around Guy Fawkes Night, New Year's Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali. At other times of the year, these pyrotechnics can only be sold by licensed stores.
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is seeking public opinion on whether the decibel limit should be reduced even further to 90 dBAimp, a level comparable to the sound of a food processor or lawnmower. New Zealand implemented a 90-decibel limit for consumer fireworks in 2008.
Officials believe that reducing the noise limit to 110 dBAimp would significantly decrease the perceived noise of consumer fireworks with a less substantial impact on businesses and the products available. The consultation document suggests that removing the loudest fireworks from the consumer market could encourage the growth of the lower-noise fireworks sector, fostering innovation and potentially creating a new niche for UK companies. The change is intended to make garden and community fireworks displays less disruptive to people and animals.
In contrast, the government intends to allow professional public displays to continue using louder fireworks. These events are typically publicized, making them less likely to occur illegally or during unsociable hours.
Research from the Home Office in 2022 indicated that fireworks have been responsible for over 3,000 fires in the past 12 years. The Office for Product Safety and Standards highlighted concerns about the "disruptive, anti-social and criminal misuse" of fireworks, which is prevalent around Halloween and Bonfire Night and increasingly throughout the year. The document also noted instances where police and fire service personnel have been attacked with fireworks.
Category F2 and F3 fireworks, currently the most powerful types available to the public, require safety distances of at least eight meters and 25 meters, respectively. Category F1 fireworks are designated for indoor or close proximity use with minimal safety requirements.
Alongside the noise reduction proposals, the government is consulting on updating the list of banned pyrotechnic products. Notably, it is proposing to remove the minimum buying age of 12 for Christmas crackers, arguing that their low risk level makes the age restriction an unnecessary burden on retailers. Ms. Dearden acknowledged in a parliamentary statement that while millions enjoy fireworks responsibly, concerns raised by charities, parliamentarians, and the public regarding their impact, including on animals and communities, are being taken into account.