By Basant El-Faramawy
UK ministers are considering a partial ban on backyard fireworks following a public consultation on noise and animal welfare concerns. The Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade closed the consultation earlier this month, with proposals that include expanding the list of fireworks banned for general sale and reducing the maximum permitted noise level for consumer fireworks from 120 decibels to 110 decibels, effectively halving their loudness.
Animal welfare drives calls for tighter rules
Campaigners, veterinarians and the National Farmers’ Union have pushed for stricter regulation. The RSPCA said it generated more than 51,000 responses to the consultation, reflecting widespread public concern over the distress, injury and fatalities fireworks cause to pets, wildlife and livestock. Recent incidents include the death of a baby red panda at Edinburgh Zoo and a dachshund in North Yorkshire. The British Veterinary Association welcomed lower noise limits but warned that flashes and unpredictable timing still affect animals, urging clearer labelling, responsible use and tighter sales controls.
Fire risks and farm losses cited
The National Farmers’ Union backed tighter regulations, citing both animal welfare and fire hazards. One member reported losing around four acres of wheat after a firework landed in a standing crop during harvest.
Industry warns of black‑market risk
The British Fireworks Association argued that many problematic behaviours — such as setting off fireworks in public places or after 1 am — are already illegal. It cautioned that removing large numbers of legal, regulated products from the consumer market could drive people toward unregulated, black‑market fireworks.
Mixed results from Scottish zones
Scotland has introduced “firework control zones” where devices are banned, but the measure has had a mixed reception. Redwings Horse Sanctuary said the zones create a two‑tier system of protection and risk displacing firework use to surrounding areas. The charity also noted that a proposed licensing requirement for firework users has been shelved due to lack of resources.
International trend toward restrictions
Other countries are moving in a similar direction. A nationwide ban on most consumer fireworks took effect in the Netherlands in August, while Czechia has tightened its regulations. Swiss citizens will vote on a ban on noisy fireworks on 29 November. Germany already limits the window for buying and using fireworks and imposes zone‑based bans. A German survey found nearly half of respondents favoured a total ban with exceptions only for small items such as sparklers. Redwings supports reducing the maximum noise level to 90 decibels, as in New Zealand, viewing low‑noise fireworks as a practical compromise.
The government said changes to pyrotechnics regulations will be made as soon as parliamentary time allows after analysis of the consultation feedback, with a six‑month transitional period after the law is amended.
