“This new legislation will restrict the use of fireworks and pyrotechnics, reducing the harm caused by them and making our communities safer,” said Natalie Don MSP.

The Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Bill, which was approved in the Scottish Parliament on Wednesday 29th June, seeks to regulate the use and sale of fireworks and pyrotechnic articles whilst also ensuring safe enjoyment of them in communities. It will be a criminal offence to buy, possess or use fireworks without licence, or to supply fireworks to a person without a licence. It will also be an offence to give fireworks or pyrotechnic articles to a child or buy them on behalf of a child.

The law, however, also limits the use of fireworks to certain holidays and festivals including Hogmanay, Guy Fawkes Night, Diwali, Vaisakhi and Chinese New Year.

The Bill is an important step towards reducing the burden on emergency services in preparing for, and responding to, firework related incidents. Common fireworks related injuries affect hands and heads, with mortars and rockets responsible for the majority of serious eye and hand injuries. However, sparklers, fountains and firecrackers are also frequent sources of injury. Fireworks related injuries often require specialist treatment and surgical intervention and can sometimes be fatal.

Data from Police Scotland indicates that around 900 ‘firework’ related incidents were reported in the 2019-20 firework period, and there is no clear evidence that the number of firework related incidents reported to the police is changing.

Natalie Don MSP added:

“Reducing the negative impact of fireworks and pyrotechnics on communities across Scotland is at the heart of this new legislation. This Bill will ensure appropriate action is taken over the sale and use of fireworks as well as reducing the misuse of pyrotechnic devices such as flares.

“Many pet owners experience first-hand the terrifying effect fireworks have on their companions. Introducing restrictions on the days and times fireworks can be set off will help people to better prepare for comforting their pet. We know that the unpredictability of when fireworks may go off is a major concern for people.

“This legislation is strongly supported by the public, with consultations from 2021 and 2019 highlighting that 92% agreed to criminalise the supply of fireworks to under-18s and 84% backing the introduction of a fireworks licensing system.”

The new rules created by the Bill will be enforced by trading standards or Police Scotland.