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Everyone should be able to enjoy fireworks safely, whether at an organised display or in their back garden. Here you'll find the laws around firework use, as well as how to stay safe and how report the misuse of fireworks.
Fireworks and the law
What time can fireworks be used?
Fireworks can be used in the UK any time from 7am to 11pm.
Exceptions are:
Bonfire night: 7am to midnight.
New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year: 7am to 1am the following day.
Categories of fireworks
Category one: 'Throwdown fireworks' including firecrackers, bangers and party poppers.
Categories two and three: 'Adult fireworks' available in shops.
Category four: Professional display fireworks available from specialist suppliers.
Anyone over 18 can buy, carry or use category one, two and three fireworks.
Anyone over 16 can only buy, carry or use category one fireworks.
Anyone over 12 can buy Christmas crackers.
Only licensed professionals can buy, carry and use category 4 fireworks.
Unless part of an organised event by licensed professionals, fireworks cannot be used on the street or in a public place.
It's an offence to throw or set off any firework (including sparklers and category 1 fireworks) in or into any highway, street, thoroughfare or public space.
What is the impact of firework misuse?
Used irresponsibly, fireworks can cause damage to property and do significant harm to people and animals. Not only is there a danger from fireworks exploding, they can also pose a serious fire risk as well.
This is why members of the public may only use fireworks on private property, such as their back gardens, and only licensed professionals can use them in public places.
For more information on the impact on animals please visit RSPCA Firework Guidance. For information on the potential impact on those living with Post Traumatic Street Disorder visit PTSD UK.
What you can do?
If children are setting off fireworks in your area, our first advice is to ask them politely to stop. It's possible they're unaware that they are breaking the law. If you know their parents, perhaps ask them to intervene.
Who to contact should you need to:
Call Lincolnshire Police on 999 if there is immediate endangerment to people or vehicles.
Under certain circumstances, the use of fireworks may be considered a statutory nuisance under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, further details can be found at East Lindsey District Council Fireworks Advice.
