Measures to crack down on firework yobs unveiled

Measures aimed at cracking down on the misuse of fireworks have been unveiled by the government today.

To tackle the anti-social use of fireworks by teenagers, and the problems of noise and nuisance, the government announced that before Christmas the possession of fireworks by under-18s in public places will be made illegal. There will be fixed penalties of up to £80 for people caught throwing fireworks in the street, and the possession of the largest, most powerful, 'category 4' fireworks will also be outlawed for all members of the public.

The government has said that it will also draft regulations before the end of the year to enshrine in law the firework industry's current voluntary ban on airbombs.

The government has already begun preliminary consultations on implementing the rest of the Fireworks Act and will publish draft regulations in the New Year to introduce a national curfew banning the use of fireworks during anti-social hours. A new licensing system for the sale of fireworks to ensure local authorities have the power to refuse and revoke licenses if retailers act inappropriately will also be introduced.

Trade Secretary Patricia Hewitt said: "In the right place and the right time fireworks are a real source of pleasure and we want families to enjoy the safe use of fireworks in their gardens and in public displays.

"But people across the UK are sick of being terrorised by irresponsible use of fireworks. We want to drive the fireworks thugs off the street and will use the full force of law to tackle those who are making the lives of others a misery in this way.

The full raft of measures should be in place by July 2004 – in advance of next year's fireworks season.

(gmcg)