Council encourages residents to enjoy fireworks safely

• Category 1: indoor fireworks, specifically made for indoor use.
• Category 2: garden fireworks, which must be viewed from a minimum of five metres. Some sparklers are classified under this category.
• Category 3: Must be viewed at a minimum of 25 metres.
• Category 4: Professional display – it is an offence for the public to be in possession of these fireworks.

• Ensure that anyone using fireworks (including sparklers) are over the age of 16.
• Ensure that any firework display you are planning finishes before 11pm, unless on permitted firework nights.
• Purchase fireworks from shops with a licence to sell them.
• Don’t throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place.
• Don’t cause any unnecessary suffering to animals.
  

Curfews are in place to try to prevent anti-social behaviour. Other than permitted firework nights, it is an offence for anyone to use what are classed as adult fireworks between 11pm and 7am. There are four firework nights where the length of time you’re able to use fireworks is extended:
Guy Fawkes’ night up to midnight, Diwali up to 1am, New Year’s Eve up to 1am and Chinese New Year up to 1am.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Development and Transport Cllr Clive Sanders said: “Fireworks are great fun and enjoyed by many people every year. We don’t want to stop people enjoying themselves, but do expect people to act responsibly and safely. Not everyone likes fireworks, particularly animals and vulnerable people, so please bear others in mind when using them.

“The new leaflet is designed to help people understand what to buy and how to enjoy fireworks safely, as well as explaining the consequences of acting irresponsible.”


For a copy of the council’s leaflet Fireworks – your quick guide to using fireworks safely, log onto the council’s website at www.basingstoke.gov.uk/go/fireworksafety or call 01256 844844.

To report any concerns with firework misuse, contact Hampshire Constabulary on 0845 045 45 45 or call the police non emergency number 101. In an emergency always call 999.