06/08/2004
Fines and prison await 'yobs' breaking fireworks curfew
People using fireworks during anti-social hours could be fined up to £5,000 and get a six-month jail term if they break strict curfew laws coming into force tomorrow.
The curfew bans fireworks use between 11pm and 7am – but can be extended until 1am for some traditional and cultural events, including Diwali Night, the Chinese New Year and New Year's Eve.
As part of a government crackdown on "firework yobs", it will also be against the law for retailers to sell fireworks that are louder than 120 decibels.
The Home Office is also planning to allow police and community support officers to hand out fixed penalty notices to under 18s who have fireworks in public places or break the curfew.
The changes aim to improve safety and crack down on anti social behaviour, ahead of this year's firework season, the Home Office has said.
Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Fireworks can be fun, but can also cause misery for communities, especially to vulnerable people such as the elderly, and animals.
"Introducing a curfew and a noise limit, balances the law to ensure that people can still enjoy fireworks whilst cracking down on their anti-social use."
The changes also include a new licensing system for the supply of fireworks all year round - retail and wholesale. There are also improved controls on the import of fireworks.
Both of these measures will come into force in January 2005.
(gmcg)
The curfew bans fireworks use between 11pm and 7am – but can be extended until 1am for some traditional and cultural events, including Diwali Night, the Chinese New Year and New Year's Eve.
As part of a government crackdown on "firework yobs", it will also be against the law for retailers to sell fireworks that are louder than 120 decibels.
The Home Office is also planning to allow police and community support officers to hand out fixed penalty notices to under 18s who have fireworks in public places or break the curfew.
The changes aim to improve safety and crack down on anti social behaviour, ahead of this year's firework season, the Home Office has said.
Consumer Minister Gerry Sutcliffe said: "Fireworks can be fun, but can also cause misery for communities, especially to vulnerable people such as the elderly, and animals.
"Introducing a curfew and a noise limit, balances the law to ensure that people can still enjoy fireworks whilst cracking down on their anti-social use."
The changes also include a new licensing system for the supply of fireworks all year round - retail and wholesale. There are also improved controls on the import of fireworks.
Both of these measures will come into force in January 2005.
(gmcg)
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05 December 2006
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Fireworks factory fire investigators waiting for access
Investigators are waiting to gain access to the scene of a fire at a fireworks factory at which two firefighters were killed. No one has been able to enter the site because of fears that 20 gas cylinders on the site could explode. They have been left to cool down before investigators will be allowed onto the site.
26 May 2005
Teenage boy challenges ‘anti-yob’ laws
A 15-year-old boy from Richmond, London, is challenging one of the fundamental cornerstones of Prime Minister’s existing ‘anti-yob’ laws – child curfew zones. Under the legislation, police can remove all under-16s from his surrounding area after 9pm, and the youth who cannot be named is claiming that such action infringes his human rights.
Teenage boy challenges ‘anti-yob’ laws
A 15-year-old boy from Richmond, London, is challenging one of the fundamental cornerstones of Prime Minister’s existing ‘anti-yob’ laws – child curfew zones. Under the legislation, police can remove all under-16s from his surrounding area after 9pm, and the youth who cannot be named is claiming that such action infringes his human rights.
23 April 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.
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.
05 November 2003
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.
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.
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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.