Requiring a licence to buy or use CAT F2 & CAT F3 fireworks

Prove they had passed a course - online - one guy passes for everyone

My dog is terrified of fireworks and there use should be controlled

Fireworks are explosives, and are dangerous. Many users have little regard for the distances required for safe use, and particularly the impact it could have on others

Fireworks in built up areas are not just a nuisance but can affect the mental health of people with specific issues such as PTSD. It is also harmful to pets. Too many people have no idea about how to use explosives. They absolutely should have to have training

Of the effect it has on animals, and humans alike. Animals have very sensitive hearing and run scared . Humans with sensory issues , ptsd , babies, are affected . But it is easier to warn humans , than animals, resorting to various calmers to help them . Which is fine if you know when they will be going off , but not random ones . You can’t cater for those. And many are like bombs! Especially in a built up area , which brings is back to the vulnerable humans, you can’t warn them.

There is no reason for members of the public to have explosive material in their homes. You can't have a gun without a license so why should you have fireworks without a license. They cause soo much stress to animals for no good reason. Organised and licensed fireworks displays in certain areas that don't disturb the public and/or animals only.

Only licensed individuals should be allowed to buy and set off fireworks, I think this is a great idea and would solve a lot of problems. The fireworks training course should be conducted by professionals, e.g. the fire service, not just an online course as proposed elsewhere.

I don't see this working what so ever ! It will only encourage illegal, antisocial and black market sales. As a retail stockist of fireworks my self as well as a professional display operator. Asking a consumer to be "qualified" to use a consumer firework is just going to make it such a hassle and head ache that no one will bother in the end. Completely killing off an industry by means of qualifications

There is no real way to monitor this. People will lie. This is just a pretense that the law is doing something. It's filled with loopholes. It's ridiculous.

I am in favour of a total ban on the use of fireworks, or failing that, their use only as part of an organised authorised display

I don't think individuals should be able to buy fireworks at all, only reputable organisations.

Anonymous User "They are dangerous, terrible for the environment and animals" That's odd, all the fireworks I have used come with performance data and instructions for their safe use. The Nations pets are more damaging to the environment regarding global warming. 9,000,000 tonnes CO2 from dogs alone, dog poo everywhere.

Sounds like a good idea however if they’re easy to fake or given out via a form to fill in online they’re open to fraud.

Pass a course and a require a licence course has to be refreshed every year and licence to be renewed each year

They wouldn't have to prove anything, they would just drive into England to buy them, fireworks would still be available but the money from the illegal sales would just support more crime. google Hawaii NYE an island many thousands of miles off the coast of America, fireworks are totally banned, just watch what's going off, its impossible to stop people getting fireworks, when they are freely available on the continent.

Of course they should have a licence, there's a slight amount of gun powder in them.

It will just encourage smuggled Fireworks from England

if a total ban isn't available, this will at least weed out some of the numpties.

The Scottish Government, in pursuance of this Bill, seems not to understand the various firework categories they propose to restrict. they say that fireworks are categorised according to how powerful they are. In many cases this may be true but in many it is not. Categories F1-F3 are defined by the safe viewing distance not power. Category F4 are for use by people with specialist knowledge and can often be no more hazardous than category F1.

So, in a nutshell, ScotGov want to criminalise Fireworks, essentially. How is that one going to work, and how can you guarantee the person sitting a test and the one buying the fireworks are the same...again, you will create more issues that you could ever solve!

Fireworks are explosives and as such should not be available to the general public. There should be a licence for these categories and they should definitely be banned from over the counter purchase. I firmly believe these should be signed for.

Fireworks are explosives and are very dangerous in the wrong hands

Registered users only and a very large fine for misuse.

Fireworks are dangerous explosives and its becoming a regular occurance every year, that they are used inappropriately, antisocially and far to close to animals. Its too much disturbance now in neighbourhoods. It should only be licensed shows only, not any person setting fireworks off from their garden.

I'm sick of living in a world where fireworks are being let off in residential areas DURING THE DAY and at unsociable hours. Some people let them off during the day at football finals in their garden - this is clearly to cause trouble - they aren't even visible at such a time. This needs to be stopped!

Requiring a license will stop a lot of displays. Ruining a lot of people's enjoyment for very little gain.

They are dangerous, terrible for the environment and animals

Too many accidents because people think they are toys

there are too many people that are too stupid and/or cruel to have any access to explosives. These are dangerous items and should be subject to any explosive licensing and restrictions. It’s stupid to give the general public easy access to fireworks. Professionals and organised events only!!

If there is to be no total ban, then this would be the next best thing

those who don't obey the rules can already illegally get fireworks from Europe, lets enforce the current regulations which allow law abiding people to have legal fireworks.

I don’t think members of the public can be trusted with fireworks. They should be used sparingly through official events only.

I’ve campaigned against fireworks for years now. They are in my opinion, dangerous, noisy, and destructive, especially to animals and people with certain mental disorders. I’m also certain that the majority of people have no idea why we have fireworks in the U.K., therefore rendering them completely unnecessary

Doesn’t go far enough. Ban fireworks to members of public. Allow organised events only on prescribed days of the year

More regulations for the things that cause harm to both humans AND animals, the better.

The further away the better.

What has a persons criminal conviction if any got to do with buying fireworks, utter madness.

They're a nuisance everytime there's a football game. 😐Even worse for weeks on end in November/December.

Any sale of fireworks should be to a licensed person or group

You will destroy businesses and livelihoods. Furthermore this will never work . It’s a preposterous and very expensive waste of resources

You’d have to show your licence to buy. No use leaving it upto the individual as was the case with dog licenses.

Fireworks should be at official displays only

Any restriction to the general public discouraging the purchase of fireworks is a good thing

If fireworks are a nuisance, they are still a nuisance set off by someone who has a licence.

This does not go far enough.

Responsible use is important for all reasons already stated.

Fireworks are explosive devices. You should have a licence to use them.

No where near enough . No more . Outdated cheap thrill for simple minded folk

This is open to people fraudulently purchasing fireworks for other people. Fireworks are extremely dangerous and cause so much misery to animals and humans. Just because someone ha completed a course does not mean they are sensible and compassionate to other people's feelings and thinking about the effect on animals. Unfortunately so many people who use fireworks don't like to consider anyone else and just want to have 'fun' regardless of the distress it causes so many others.

Anything which restricts the mindless use of fireworks would be good in principle. However, if you make the licensing too easy or too cheap or unenforceable then it’s pointless.

The distress caused to animals is considerable. It would also reduce injuries and fires caused by inappropriate use.

Will not stop the determined but might slow some of them down enough to make a difference.

Dangerous to people and animals. Too many irresponsible youngsters and adults use them putting themselves and others at huge risk. Not mentioning poor animals scared to death.

Fireworks are explosives and like all other explosives very dangerous. Thus only properly licenced commercial operators should be using them.

It's the same as licencing any dangerous activity. It means people can have their licence withdrawn if they break the rules

It would reduce incidents of fireworks misuse

I thought this was automatic already, as our charity used to have an organised 20 minute display on Bonfire Night.

It will ensure use is controlled

Don’t sell to the public.

This would help provide an essential framework, necessary to allow enforcement of a training requirement & exclusion of past offenders from future purchase/use. Furthermore, the existence of such a framework would also be encouragement for many towards more thoughtful considered usage.

it does not propose any measure to reduce the shock & impacts of percussive and other loud firework noise. Nor does it guarantee any meaningful licensing or training in firework use The public safety measures it proposes from accidents such as burns is good, but in my view fireworks must be controlled primarily because of noise. Humans (of all ages) can be frightened by the explosions & 'whizz' noises. Animals (wild and domestic) are often deeply traumatised, injured & killed in panic

it will reduce the volume of fireworks being let off in residential areas where the negative of fireworks is significant for both humans and animals.

It attempts to limit the use to licenced personnel and still provides the opportunity to enjoy fireworks if you wish. It should limit anti-social behaviour

Too many people are needlessly injured ever year with fireworks, and they are used too frequently by kids and young people inconsiderately. I'd ban them outright!

Fireworks terrify wildlife and pets

Fireworks are extremely dangerous and should not be sold to the general public, they should be restricted to organised events only and well away from residential areas and then those that wanted to take part can go and the rest of us wouldn’t have them forced upon us. The noise they create is very frightening to all animals and people who may have PTSD or certain other mental health issues.

To hopefully increase the responsible use of fireworks

public shouldn't be able to buy fireworks. they should be only used at specific events and limited timewise. any bill restricting use of fireworks should be applied throughout the UK though - it's not enough for Scotland to be the only part though it'll be a good start to lead the way.

They should also have to seek permission for their planned use of fireworks for a specific public event at specific times and local residents should be informed in advance. The time length of the display should also be limited.

If the public are to be allowed to buy fireworks, they should be closely monitored and controlled and the location and time for this anti-social and harmful activity should be severely restricted.

It is only by licensing this anti-social activity that some measure of control becomes possible

They are explosives and dangerous however no training is necessary

absoulutely- all firework displays should be by licence only

This cannot but help increase public safety when handling fireworks and hosting firework events, and moves us towards only professional events being staged at limited times of the year.

Fireworks are dangerous and need to be used with appropriate care. A fireworks licence could be used to identify those trained to use fireworks safely.

These fireworks are dangerous and can be used as bombs

Should not be for 'public' use

Fireworks are dangerous and a nuisance to those not involved in the "show". This would reduce the number of random shows.

It is a good step in the right direction to minimize the use of fireworks.

Fireworks cause so much distress and death to animals. People who suffer from ptsd also find fireworks very distressing along with autistic people. Public sale should be scraped

These are too dangerous to be freely available to the public

If there were to be dates on when people could but fireworks; some people may try to obtain fireworks illegally and then you’ll find that the people who misuse them suddenly have a lot louder and more lethal fireworks. Besides nobody wants to find out that their neighbour is manufacturing fireworks because if they did they would be evacuated. At least let’s hope that’s how they find out..

This part of the bill will at least reduce the number of fireworks sold to those who only buy because it is something to do at any time of the year. Those who are buying fireworks for a particular occasion/special occasion will be the ones who will want to take the time and energy to follow the procedures and requirements in order to purchase fireworks. In other words, sensible users.

Such a move would destroy the fireworks industry. The retailers and wholesale businesses are very responsible and provide the correct advice or should at least do so. £30 is far too much for a licence and anyway who will manage all this and at what cost. How will the system cope when ten thousand people all apply for a licence at 5pm on Bonfire night having been carefully watching the weather and deciding yes, its calm tonight we will go out and buy a box of fireworks and enjoy family fun.

No member of the public should be able to buy fireworks

This isn’t much but I support any measures that go toward outlawing the purchase of fireworks by individuals. It’s ridiculous that this is allowed.

I doubt they go far enough but it is a start

Good idea.

These are dangerous items in the wrong hands and therefore needs the where, when and by whom needsto be controlled. These fireworks could be smuggled in illegally, but as long as the law is vigorously upheld and with penalties severe enough to deter those obtaining, possessing and using them illegally.

Fireworks are not toys yet so often in my local area people behave utterly irresponsible with them, and they cause my animals huge distress at the best of time’s

it would tighten up on those who disregard the respect for people & animals & just do what they want

An excellent idea in theory but could be difficult to police.

I see too many being let off in the street. You need a licence to drive a car. So seems daft to let just anyone set off explosives. These large fireworks can cause serious injury. That might be why they’re used as weapons? Licensing won’t stop illegal use. Best to just ban them altogether. Only people who’d suffer from a ban are the people who make money from selling them.

alex.goldie "Too many people are needlessly injured ever year with fireworks, and they are used too frequently by kids and young people inconsiderately. I'd ban them outright!" Many, many more people are injured and killed by dogs than by fireworks. Would you also ban them on the same basis as you would ban fireworks?

Fireworks cause considerable stress to many people and animals in particular

Minimises nusance use.

It makes sense that safety and training are proritised.

Ridiculous idea.

These are sensible measures to ensure public safety

Fireworks should only be sold to organised bodies not the general public

Again, as with many of the proposals it may help slightly however, anything short of a ban outside organised events is too little I’m afraid. As outlined by many in the comments, the distress caused by fireworks is just too high a price to pay in the name of enjoyment.

Supporter12 "It would limit the personnel able to use the increasingly powerful fireworks, to hopefully responsible individuals." The explosives content, the size and the noise levels of fireworks have not changed for a decade. Your post is factually incorrect.

alex.goldie "Too many people are needlessly injured ever year with fireworks, and they are used too frequently by kids and young people inconsiderately. I'd ban them outright!" If the number of injuries are your parameters for calling for a ban of something then turn your attention to dogs. For every firework injury there are 60 injuries and even deaths caused by dogs.

Fireworks are dangerous

All fireworks that make any banging sound should be banned for sale to the public as soon as possible .

TOTAL BAN on public sale is the only option

It would limit the personnel able to use the increasingly powerful fireworks, to hopefully responsible individuals. It should aim to avoid the also increasing anti-social use of fireworks

this would bring greater responsibility and accountability to the letting off of fireworks. It is critical that it also becomes illegal to let off fireworks without a license and obtaining a license isn't just a 5min online course.

It would be safer to encourage more trained operaters in community events than unregulated idividual use

Current laws are sufficient and just require enforcement

I agree because it would hopefully prevent antisocial behaviours around the use of fireworks and also hopefully, reduce injuries

Current law is Sufficient and just needs ENFORCING !!!!!!

Disagree

Any additional restriction is better than none, but this does not go far enough to address the problem.

no member of the public needs explosives without first having purchased an expensive licence involving training and a probationary period, and preferably being vetted for suitability as if buying a gun licence & gun.The licence should only be used for pre-agreed advertised displays so that they are not a shock to people who do not enjoy them

If the current laws were inforced properly in the first place we wouldn't have this problem, if people were educated properly about fireworks we would no have these problems. Or at least rase the age to 21 as most 18 year olds are not as mature as they was 25 years ago. It's called a paradigm shift.

This also beggers belief that such a proposal is even being considered. The firework categories mentioned in particular Cat 3, has been stated as requiring a safe distance of 25 m. If such a distance is required the explosives used are greater and the likelihood of physical and mental harm greatly increased. This only increases the risk of people taking short cuts and abusing any requirements for safety. Ban the sale and use of fireworks to members of the public.

The general public should not be allowed to buy fireworks whether they have a licence or not. Fireworks are not welcome in rural areas or in open fields because both areas will cause trauma, distress and even death especially to animals and wildlife that have no warning!

I agree in principle though think there needs to be strict checks in place and only allowed for organised displays not private

These are explosives that significantly disturb nature wildlife and the general population. They should not be available at will

Many cat 2 and 3 fireworks are being let off in gardens and public spaces