This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Don't fool with fireworks
31/12/2004
New Year resolutions should include an early pledge to make it a spectacular, not a miserable Hogmanay, by taking not of the new law on fireworks, teh Executive advised today.
Curfew regulations, introduced in October, mean that it is illegal to set off fireworks after 2300 hours on most nights of the year. However, on Hogmanay, the curfew is extended to 0100 hours.
Deputy Minister for Finance and Public Service Reform Tavish Scott encouraged people to enjoy Hogmanay celebrations but said:
"There is no doubt fireworks can add to the magic of Hogmanay and ensure a spectacular start to the New Year.
"We can all enjoy organised displays and I am sure many people cannot help but be impressed by the kind of display from Edinburgh Castle we see every year.
"If used safely and appropriately, people can also have fun with fireworks at home in their back gardens.
"The Executive is committed to tackling the inappropriate and irresponsible use of fireworks that can bring untold misery to communities across Scotland.
"We have worked closely with the Department of Trade and Industry to ensure that we can stamp out the irresponsible behaviour of vandals and louts who victimise and terrorise young people, old people, families and pets.
"On the safety side, I welcome the drop in firework injuries in Scotland, but I hope people recognise that fireworks are not toys - they are explosives and when not treated with respect the results can be dreadful.
"I hope everyone can enjoy Hogmanay this year and we have made it clear that the anti-social use of fireworks is unacceptable in a mdern Scotland."
In 2003, there were 71 injuries from fireworks in Scotland. This compares to 120 in 2002 - a drop of 41 per cent.
The new regulations also mean that on Chinese New Year and Diwali setting off fireworks must also stop at 01:00 hours.
It is also illegal to set off fireworks after midnight on Bonfire night. Local authorities have the power to grant further dispensations for special local occasions.
People who break the curfew are liable to a fine of £5,000 and/or six month imprisonment.
The regulations mean:
- under 18 possession of an adult firework (any firework except for a cap, cracker snap, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents, throwdowns and sparklers) in a public place is illegal
- members of the public are banned from possessing "Category
Four" professional fireworks, the largest most powerful type
used for public displays
- air bombs and mini rockets are prohibited from being supplied
to the public
- retailers have to actively check a customer's age if there is any
doubt they are under 18
- a noise limit of 120 decibels for category three fireworks, the
largest and most powerful fireworks available to the public
From January 2005 a new licensing system for those supplying fireworks all year round and improved controls on the import of fireworks will come into force.