Lots of you have been in touch because you are concerned about the impact of fireworks on pets and wild animals. We share your concerns, so we got in touch with Council officers to find out more about the Council’s policy on fireworks.

The Council’s animal welfare officers promote the guidance issued by the RSPCA to pet owners about looking after their pets during this time of year.  All premises selling fireworks must be registered with the local authority. In conjunction with the fire service, inspections are carried out on each premises that registers with the Council, to ensure that fireworks are being sold in compliance with the law.  This includes not selling to children or not selling categories of fireworks to the public for private displays which should only be used in public displays.

Legislation allows for fireworks to be sold throughout the year however we found out that very few premises if any, in the city apply for this and the majority apply for a licence to sell just for bonfire night. The legislation in this case limits the time that they can be sold to between 15th October to 10th November. There are three other times of year when fireworks can be sold for celebrations including for a few days in the run up to New Year; Chinese New Year and Diwali.

Labour Councillors have raised the areas suggested by the RSPCA for improved practice with Council officers and I am pleased to tell you that the Labour Group are planning to take a Notice of Motion to Full Council in December 2020.  We will update you on this nearer the time.  Thank you to everyone who got in touch to highlight this important issue – you may have helped change Council policy!

Photo by Zuza Gałczyńska on Unsplash