Making it illegal to give certain fireworks to under 18s.

Making it illegal to give certain fireworks to under 18s.

While a person must be aged 18 years or over to buy CAT F2 and CAT F3 fireworks, at the moment an adult can give CAT F2 and CAT F3 fireworks to someone under the age of 18 years. The Bill would make it a criminal offence for someone aged 18 years or over to give CAT F2 or CAT F3 fireworks to someone under 18 years. If you agree with this proposal, rate it up (👍), if you disagree, rate it down (👎). Please tell us why you agree or disagree using the comment boxes below.

Points

Another liberty being taken away by the nanny state we live in. Covid has taken away so many things but why this. Health and safety going mad.

fireworks should not be sold to any member of the public

No issues banning under 18s

If under 18 yr olds can’t buy fireworks, then they shouldn’t be able to be supplied them either. The same reasons for them not being able to buy must apply - poor judgement on usage of explosives, lack of maturity, lack of responsibility etc. it is just summon sense

Looks like another social liberty being outlawed for working class people. With council financial constraints it is unlikely there will be free public firework displays meaning fireworks, enjoyed responsibly by families for decades, will be a thing of the past, unless you happen to be wealthy. How about adopting this this idea for future woke policies; allow adults to be responsible and make their own choices instead of being dictated to! People are getting sick of the fun police.

More duties for over run police forces. Leave the law as it is

No one under 18 should be able to purchase fireworks in fact should be over 25

Fireworks need to be used responsibly. Anyone messing around with fireworks risks maiming or killing people or animals

Agree children should not be handling explosives. Nor should adults.

There are certain adults who don't care about safety and would give fireworks to under 18s.

Nobody under the age of 18 should be able to purchase fireworks. In fact I feel the age should be higher. Youngsters think it funny to throw fireworks at people and cars, and post them through letterboxes causing distress to the public.

18 is too young to buy explosives

Are we saying that you can't give a sparkler under supervision to your children anymore?

Cut the amount of people buying fireworks because it's not necessary to use them everyday

Most of the serious injuries whether to humans or animals have been caused by the misuse (deliberate or accidental) of fireworks by people under the age of 18. Fireworks are by their very nature hazardous and should be trated accordingly in law.

It's common sense.

There is absolutely no good reason for anyone under the age of eighteen to be handling fireworks.

Fireworks are explosives and should not be in the hands of adults let alone children

The fewer the people getting their hands on explosive materials the better. Too many get badly hurt.

It is more likely to prevent irresponsible use.

This is a starting point to limiting irresponsible use of fireworks

Common sense

It would potentially help reduce anti social behaviour and the misuse of fireworks. Also prevent accidents and injuries among young people.

Age should probably be raised higher actually 21 perhaps.

I think that fireworks should not be handled by persons under 18.

Fewer people that buy fireworks, the better. Fireworks are animal abuse.

Anonymous User "At no point should anyone give any child an explosive device. You’d not give them a gun so why allow kids to run about with fireworks that can do as much harm and cause death through deliberate or incompetent misuse." Guns are designed to kill. Fireworks are designed for entertainment. It is already illegal for kids to be in possession of an adult firework in a public place.

Most people under the age of 18 are not responsible enough, and some are just darn right stupid!

Surely this is law now anyway ?

If it is illegal to buy the firework if under 18 it should be illegal to supply it to an under 18

Fireworks are explosives and should only be used by competent adults. Ideally as explosives should only be used by licensed trained adults.

Yes, all those parents who supply them should be heavily fined.

Under 18's should not have access to any fireworks at anytime. The fewer people who can the better.

It has to be so, what’s the point of an age restriction on purchase if the items can just be passed to a minor

perhaps 18 is too young still? fireworks are dangerous if used carelessly.

If under 18s not old enough to buy then they're not old enough for responsibility to use. Under 18s classed as a child and fireworks are not for children's use

Children should not be able to buy explosives, they should not be available to the general public.

In the absence of a total ban, the more restrictions the better.

Fireworks have the potential to cause devastating injuries. Under 18s are not able to assess/appreciate the risks

Fireworks have become more powerful and used for longer periods. There is no justifiable reason for using those which sound like bombs exploding. Man’s inhumanity - turning our pets into cowering creatures.

Irresponsible and dangerous to sell to under 18s

It's obvious. If under 18s can't buy them, why should it be fine for over 18s to hand them out?

It is illegal to sell or buy alcohol for under 18s. It makes sense that it should also be illegal in respect of fireworks.

Most definitely, under 18 should not have access to fireworks. An outright ban for all domestic use is what is really needed

Too many idiots are allowed to buy fireworks,they don't care when they set them off!! Terrified animals, pensioners people suffering from ptsd, time this outdated "celebration" was banned!!

I agree with this that no one under the age of 18 should be in charge of a firework. If the police have powers to charge under age people with having fireworks and the person who bought them will be charged this will be a good deterrent to stopping young people irresponsibly using fireworks and frightening people and animals alike.

Under 18s by asking someone else to buy fireworks for them shows they know this is wrong and there is no accountability. This will endanger other young people and animals.

Totally agree. Don’t think kids should be allowed to even touch fireworks, let alone be given them under 18. Perhaps the licensing age should actually be higher than 18, so that those who can be licensed in the first place should be 21 or 25?

No children should have access to fireworks without supervision.

No fireworks of any description should be sold or given to under 18s

Its simple. They are not mature enough.

No unlicenced operator should be working with explosives, and explosives are what fireworks are. No under 18 should be using fireworks.

I would agree with anything to reduce or limit the sale of fireworks, but especially to minors.

Only gave organised firework displays

All fireworks should be banned for under 18's

Don’t sell them and we wouldn’t have to bother about all this.

Fireworks in the hands of inexperienced users are dangerous to them and byestanders, pyrotechnics are for trained personnel

the risk of injury is high so no-one under 18 should be in the possession of fireworks

It is essential that those setting off fireworks have proper knowledge of how to use then safely and to manage risks associated with the use of fireworks. They also need to understand the impact that fireworks can have on pets and wildlife, Introducing a license to control those who are permitted to set off fireworks will have significant benefits and I urge the government to take this step an make a license a mandatory requirement for both the purchase and use of fireworks.

Those aged under 18 should not be allowed to set off fireworks

I agree with this part but my concern is over how it would be enforced. What evidence is there that the restriction on under-age drinking is effective?

fireworks should be monitored as to who can buy them and at what age and it extends to buying them for someone younger - fireworks are dangerous especially as they seem to be becoming more explosive

Certain young people can be irresponsible with fireworks.

This is an important although it should only be as a support for the previous controls e.g. limiting the use of fireworks to licenced personnel

Unscrupulous people will try to circumvent the law unless this provision is included

How could it ever be a good idea to hand over dangerous fireworks to a child?

Children having explosives has to be wrong.

it needs to change

make it illegal to give ANY firework to under 18's

It will help improve firework safety. Fireworks are dangerous and should only be used by train responsible people.

Fireworks are explosives and, if used at all, need to be used responsibly. Explosions are upsetting for humans, even if they are expected, and animals regardless.

Will force irresponsible adults to reconsider buying fireworks for minors.

People aged 18 and under should not have access to the purchasing and letting off of fireworks.

No under 18 should be handling fireworks other than sparklers

Fireworks look fabulous when used correctly at a properly organised display but can be extremely dangerous under certain circumstances, not to mention extremely distressing for animals. Some adults can't be trusted to use with cautions under 18's certainly can't

fireworks are potentially very dangerous. It is essential they are handled and used responsibly and taking all advised precautions.

Fireworks are too dangerous to be in the hands of young people.

No one under 18 should have access to fireworks as they are not adults and fireworks are dangerous.

No child should be able to buy or handle fireworks. The yare dangerous in the wrong hands

NO ONE UNDER 18 SHOULD BE IN POSSESSION OF FIREWORKS.

Teenagers don’t think about what they’re doing to the community by letting fireworks off, there’s absolutely no need for them to have them, they scare Wildlife, Pets & to be quite honest I’m getting sick of it being broad daylight and hearing a bomb like firework going off !

Fireworks should only be used by a responsible adult.In the wrong hands they are lethal.

Apart from sparklers why would anyone give a firework to a child? If anyone wants to enjoy a firework display it should be in the hands of a professional. Its safer.

Agree. Again how is this to be enforced? There are a lot of stupid adults walking this earth but many might abide if it became law - better than nothing.

Needs to be clear legal president.

The use of fireworks should be restricted as much as possible.

I agree.

It is dangerous. Adults should not be giving fireworks to those under 18

I think it is common sense to make it illegal to sell a firework of any kind to someone under the age of 18. It is madness that this is not already the case.

Younger people are more likely to be irresponsible and not appreciate the dangers or nuisance of fireworks

Fireworks should not be sold to the general public and noone under 18 should be on a commitee buying them

Anonymous User "My dog is terrified of fireworks and becomes desperately ill. In the lead up to Guy Fawkes day fireworks are let off with no warning Public events at advertised times are acceptable but fireworks should be banned to members of the public" So you bought a dog in full knowledge that noisy fireworks were in common use then you call for a firework ban because your dog doesn't like them. Isn't that a bit self centred and selfish?

JF Sionnach "The fewer the people getting their hands on explosive materials the better. Too many get badly hurt." The fewer people owning dogs the better. Far to many get maimed and killed by them.

Anonymous User "No fireworks of any description should be sold or given to under 18s" No sparklers for the kids then? It is already illegal to sell to under 18's.

Anonymous User "Children should not be able to buy explosives, they should not be available to the general public." Children ARE not able to buy explosives. 0

Anonymous User "Fireworks have the potential to cause devastating injuries. Under 18s are not able to assess/appreciate the risks" But the injuries are generally trivial compared to the regular dog maulings. The best way to learn responsible use is from instruction and guidance from responsible adults.

Marjorie Harris "Irresponsible and dangerous to sell to under 18s" Indeed, and that's why it is already illegal to do so.

Anonymous User "Agree children should not be handling explosives. Nor should adults." Who's going to fit the air bags to your car then?

Anonymous User "perhaps 18 is too young still? fireworks are dangerous if used carelessly". ...and perfectly safe if used responsibly as the vast majority do.

jenbell "Fireworks have become more powerful..." Factually incorrect. Fireworks are less powerful than they were 20 years ago and have not changed in power for over 10 years.

Ron "No unlicenced operator should be working with explosives, and explosives are what fireworks are. No under 18 should be using fireworks." Will the guy who replaces a faulty air bag in your car need such a licence? How about the farmer needing crow scarers?

Margaret Reynolds "I think it is common sense to make it illegal to sell a firework of any kind to someone under the age of 18. It is madness that this is not already the case." It is already the case.

Anonymous User "Fireworks are dangerous and must be used responsibly. No child should be allowed to handle them" So you would deny children from enjoying sparklers?

No child should have access to Fireworks

I'm amazed this is not already an offence as it is with alcohol etc. However my preference is a complete ban on their public sale & use.

Younger people don't always understand the impact fireworks have on animals (agricultural, wildlife and domestic) and it is the younger age bracket that are most likely to use fireworks antisocially. It needs to be illegal for over 18s to give younger people fiireworks otherwise the law will just be abused

Youths are more likely to use fireworks irresponsibly without care for the detrimental effects of them

under 18s should never handle fireworks. no point in having a law that says under18s shouldnt use them and then over 18s can buy them and give then let them distribute them to anyone.

Please just ban all fireworks. They are grossly antisocial.

Why give/sell explosives to any member of the public? It's already an offence to sell them to under-18s, so it should also be to give them to an under-18. No one of any age should handle fireworks without holding a licence

A complete ban on selling fireworks or any type of pyrotechnic to members of the public would negate such a problem. It beggers belief that people consider these items a TOYS, they are not! Any minor does not have the understanding of many aspects of life. They are of course susceptable to any item that is attractive and unable to distinguish if something is safe or not.

It’s irresponsible.

No fireworks should be sold to the general public let alone irresponsible adults giving them to under 18's.

Fireworks should never be in the hands of anyone younger than at least 25

Its an explosive. I'm amased this isn't covered by another law already

We often see teenagers using fireworks in the our local park, sometimes under the influence of drugs and alcohol. They're not being used responsibly - amongst other things, bins and park benches are being exploded and set on fire.

If illegal to purchase when under 18 it should be illegal to circumvent this by buying for an under 18. In my opinion there are many 18yr olds who are reckless and do not think of the consequences of misusing or mishandling fireworks.

I don't think age 18 goes far enough. Plenty of 18/19/20+ year olds still think it's amusing to get drunk and throw fireworks around in the middle of the night 😡 I think it should be age 25, most have learnt to behave a little better by then.

Under 18's are not consistently responsible

it closes an obvious loophole.

Fewer people buying explosives the better. Adults can’t buy booze for kids so why ok for explosives? Re all the recent reports about the brain not being fully formed till 25, is 18 too young to buy explosives?

Fireworks are dangerous & terrifying for animals.

Fireworks are dangerous and must be used responsibly. No child should be allowed to handle them

the onus is already in the law, to prevent such sales to those presently considerd to be less responsible for their actions.

Mike Robertson "No firework of any kind should be sold to under 18s , they are dangerous and can be anti social" I think you will find that is already enshrined in law for fireworks of category 2&3.

I don't think anyone under 18 should be messing about with fireworks

All fireworks should be unavailable to under 18s at all times

No fireworks should be sold to under 18s

It is a bit silly having a law that regulates something, but with a simple process to avoid the law. If the law was made because it deems under 18 not to be responsible enough to have such items, then there shouldn't be a root to bypass that law.

No fireworks to anyone! No one uses them responsibly or with any consideration!

You can join the army at 16 and be taught to fire a gun. But the safe use of fireworks by minors would be against the law.

Probably only CAT F3 should not be given to under 18's.

Defineately agree it should be illegal to under 18

Because it will deprive many many younger people who just wish to have a good bit of fulfilling and innocent fun. Do not let the minority ruin something for the majority, you get some bad seeds everywhere in every walk of life. Letting a few bad seeds ruin everything for everybody else is a really depressing and downright horrible thing to do.

How are you supposed to teach your kids how to use fireworks safely in practice?

At no point should anyone give any child an explosive device. You’d not give them a gun so why allow kids to run about with fireworks that can do as much harm and cause death through deliberate or incompetent misuse.

The law does not go far enough, no fireworks should be sold outwith organised, approved groups

Maybe prevent giving them for use without adult supervision but they should be allowed to be given to under 18s when used with supervision by under 18s, for some families it’s almost a right of passage to be the next to light the fireworks. How else will they learn to do it safely. Sparklers should be a different category

No fireework of any kind should be sold to under 18s , they are dangerous and can be anti social

My dog is terrified of fireworks and becomes desperately ill. In the lead up to Guy Fawkes day fireworks are let off with no warning Public events at advertised times are acceptable but fireworks should be banned to members of the public

No one under 18 should be allowed to handle or be in possession of fireworks

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