It could soon become a criminal offence to carry pyrotechnics in public or sell them to under 18s under a new Bill proposed by the Scottish Government.
The public is being asked for their views on new legislation that would restrict the sale and use of fireworks following a report by the independent Fireworks Review Group that has recommended tightening legislation on the issue.
Under the proposed changes it would become an offence to carry a pyrotechnic device in public without reasonable excuse or lawful authority and to supply adult fireworks to under 18s. No-firework areas would also be introduced where it's not possible for the general public to set fireworks off.
The Bill is also seeking to extend police powers to allow stop and search provision in relation to carrying pyrotechnics without a justifiable cause.
The proposed bill is in addition to new regulations laid in the Scottish Parliament in February which will come into force at the end of this month, restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public, as well as the time's fireworks can be set off.
An eight-week consultation period has begun on the proposed Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill.
Community Safety Minister Ash Denham said: “Following the overwhelming results of the public consultation on fireworks that took place in 2019 it was clear fireworks are an important issue to the people of Scotland and that there is a strong appetite for change to improve safety.
“To help us consider the issue I appointed an independent Review Group of experts who concluded that a fundamental shift is needed in how fireworks are accessed and used.
“A number of the group’s recommendations required legislation and we have moved quickly to lay regulations which will see progress for communities across Scotland in time for this year’s fireworks period. The remaining Review Group recommendations require primary legislation which is why we are publishing this consultation today.
“I am also seeking views on how we might reduce the misuse of pyrotechnic devices such as handheld flares and smoke devices which represent a significant safety risk to anyone who comes into contact with them.
“I am committed to making our communities safer and to taking strong action now to avoid harm, distress and injury and I would encourage everyone with an interest to have their say.”
Chair of the Scottish Police Federation David Hamilton said: “In Scotland alone, scores of police officers and members of the public have been injured by pyrotechnic devices. This legislation would empower police officers to deal with this danger and would lead to safer streets and safer events for all."
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