Bonfire night fireworks law explained as Brits warned they could face major fines

Many people may be planning on holding their own Bonfire Night celebrations tonight, but there are several rules and regulations they will have to follow to avoid fines

Brits could face major fines if they fall afoul of firework laws this Bonfire Night.

Many people may be planning on holding their own displays at home tonight to celebrate tonight. Held each November 5 and also known as Guy Fawkes Night, it dates back to 1605 when Guy Fawkes was arrested while guarding explosives as part of the gunpowder plot to destroy Parliament and assassinate James I of England.

But there are rules in place which must be obeyed, or celebrations may turn costly. According to the Government’s website, people must not set off fireworks after midnight on Bonfire Night. Local councils should be consulted for local rules.

The law stated: “You cannot buy ‘adult’ fireworks if you’re under 18, and it’s against the law for anyone to set off fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on certain occasions. Adult fireworks are category 2 and 3 fireworks - they do not include things like party poppers. Category 4 fireworks can only be used by professionals.

“The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places. You can only buy fireworks (including sparklers) from registered sellers for private use on these dates between October 15 to November 10, December 26 -31 and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. At other times you can only buy fireworks from licensed shops.

“You can be fined an unlimited amount and imprisoned for up to 6 months for selling or using fireworks illegally. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90.”

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents also has helpful tips which may ensure firework celebrations go off with a bang. They say adults should deal with setting up firework displays. This includes the lighting of fireworks and the safe disposal of fireworks once they have been used. Children should be supervised and watch from a safe distance.

In England, Scotland and Wales, people should only buy fireworks which carry a CE marking or the UKCA mark. Those in Northern Ireland should look for either the CE mark or for the UKNI symbol as these show it has been tested and found safe.

Other advice includes following instructions, lighting them at an arm’s length and stand back, keep naked flames away from fireworks, never returning to a rocket to check on it, never put them in pockets. People should also direct rockets away from spectators, not use paraffin or petrol on bonfires and ensure all fires are safely out before leaving an area.