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23/04/2004
Curfew plans set to criminalise firework use after 11pm
The government has continued its crusade against so-called anti-social behaviour today, by announcing plans for an 11pm curfew on the use of fireworks which, if breached, could see offenders fined £5,000 or jailed for up to six months.
The new 11pm to 7am curfew rule, which will be in place for this year's firework season, will be relaxed for four key dates - New Years Eve, November 5, Diwali Night and Chinese New Year. On those days, the curfew will run from 2am until 7am.
Under the proposals, the largest and most powerful fireworks available to the public will be restricted to a noise limit of 120 decibels. There will also be new licensing system for retailers that sell fireworks all year round starting in January 2005 and a requirement that importers prove any imports are destined for legal storage and distribution.
Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said that the plans were necessary to regulate firework misuse by "irresponsible hooligans".
"These proposals tighten up the laws governing the importation, sale and use of fireworks, cracking down on the excess noise and nuisance that often keeps people awake at night and causes misery to pets and other animals," he said.
The Police, Trading Standards, Local Authorities and HM Customs and Excise will be expected to enforce the new regulations.
A consultation in the plans begins today and will run until July 2.
(gmg)
The new 11pm to 7am curfew rule, which will be in place for this year's firework season, will be relaxed for four key dates - New Years Eve, November 5, Diwali Night and Chinese New Year. On those days, the curfew will run from 2am until 7am.
Under the proposals, the largest and most powerful fireworks available to the public will be restricted to a noise limit of 120 decibels. There will also be new licensing system for retailers that sell fireworks all year round starting in January 2005 and a requirement that importers prove any imports are destined for legal storage and distribution.
Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said that the plans were necessary to regulate firework misuse by "irresponsible hooligans".
"These proposals tighten up the laws governing the importation, sale and use of fireworks, cracking down on the excess noise and nuisance that often keeps people awake at night and causes misery to pets and other animals," he said.
The Police, Trading Standards, Local Authorities and HM Customs and Excise will be expected to enforce the new regulations.
A consultation in the plans begins today and will run until July 2.
(gmg)
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Measures to crack down on firework yobs unveiled
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