15/09/2025
Minister Highlights Importance Of Fireworks Licence
Justice Minister Naomi Long has urged the public to obtain a licence to use fireworks ahead of this upcoming Halloween's festivities.
Highlighting it is an offence in Northern Ireland to buy or be in possession of fireworks without a licence, the Minister also stated fireworks bought from illegal sources may not be safe and may result in prosecution. Fireworks must be purchased from a retailer who has been registered by the Department of Justice.
The Minister said: "While most events pass off without incident each year there are a number of casualties as a result of using fireworks incorrectly. That's why I am urging people to be responsible and ensure that this Halloween is safe for everyone.
"Fireworks aren’t toys - they are explosives - so make sure they are used in open spaces away from buildings, costumes and crowds. Ensure children are supervised at all times so that no one suffers unnecessary injuries. It is best to store fireworks in their packaging until being used and follow the firework safety code.
"If you are planning to use fireworks this Halloween remember you must comply with the law and apply for a licence."
The Minister also urged people to be mindful of the whole community during Halloween including the elderly and pets, and highlighted alternatives such as low-noise fireworks are available which could reduce potential distress caused to animals.
Applications for a licence in time for this Halloween must be received by the Department of Justice by 17 October. Licence applications and a list of registered firework retailers are available here. Alternatively, contact the helpline on 0300 200 7881.
Highlighting it is an offence in Northern Ireland to buy or be in possession of fireworks without a licence, the Minister also stated fireworks bought from illegal sources may not be safe and may result in prosecution. Fireworks must be purchased from a retailer who has been registered by the Department of Justice.
The Minister said: "While most events pass off without incident each year there are a number of casualties as a result of using fireworks incorrectly. That's why I am urging people to be responsible and ensure that this Halloween is safe for everyone.
"If you are planning to use fireworks this Halloween remember you must comply with the law and apply for a licence."
The Minister also urged people to be mindful of the whole community during Halloween including the elderly and pets, and highlighted alternatives such as low-noise fireworks are available which could reduce potential distress caused to animals.
Applications for a licence in time for this Halloween must be received by the Department of Justice by 17 October. Licence applications and a list of registered firework retailers are available here. Alternatively, contact the helpline on 0300 200 7881.
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26 September 2012
Executive Warns Against Illegal Fireworks
Those of us planning to use fireworks throughout the autumnal weeks leading up to Halloween have been issued a warning by the Executive. In a statement released today, Justice Minister David Ford reminded everyone planning to purchase fireworks they must obtain the appropriate licence.
Executive Warns Against Illegal Fireworks
Those of us planning to use fireworks throughout the autumnal weeks leading up to Halloween have been issued a warning by the Executive. In a statement released today, Justice Minister David Ford reminded everyone planning to purchase fireworks they must obtain the appropriate licence.
30 September 2003
No licence, no fireworks, says Minister
Government Minister Jane Kennedy has called on members of the public interested in purchasing fireworks this Hallowe'en to purchase the necessary licence. A three-week radio advertising campaign which reminds the public of the need for a licence has already commenced.
No licence, no fireworks, says Minister
Government Minister Jane Kennedy has called on members of the public interested in purchasing fireworks this Hallowe'en to purchase the necessary licence. A three-week radio advertising campaign which reminds the public of the need for a licence has already commenced.
03 October 2013
Ministers Urge Safety This Halloween
Northern Ireland's Health and Justice Ministers have urged the public to stay safe during Halloween celebrations this year. The announcement follows a record low in the number of people injured by fireworks. Just 14 incidents were reported last year.
Ministers Urge Safety This Halloween
Northern Ireland's Health and Justice Ministers have urged the public to stay safe during Halloween celebrations this year. The announcement follows a record low in the number of people injured by fireworks. Just 14 incidents were reported last year.
23 October 2024
Emergency Services Urge Caution During Halloween
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are joining forces to promote firework safety ahead of Halloween. Halloween is typically a very busy time of year for emergency services with an expected increase in calls reporting a range of concerns, particularly around the misuse of fireworks.
Emergency Services Urge Caution During Halloween
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) and the Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) are joining forces to promote firework safety ahead of Halloween. Halloween is typically a very busy time of year for emergency services with an expected increase in calls reporting a range of concerns, particularly around the misuse of fireworks.
30 July 2007
Police attacked during drugs search
Police have come under attack in Londonderry as they carried out a drugs search at a house in the Brandywell area. Officers were attacked with petrol bombs, fireworks, stones and bottles and two of the officer’s sustained minor injuries.
Police attacked during drugs search
Police have come under attack in Londonderry as they carried out a drugs search at a house in the Brandywell area. Officers were attacked with petrol bombs, fireworks, stones and bottles and two of the officer’s sustained minor injuries.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.