Finance expert warns - how to avoid an unlimited fine this Bonfire Night

You could even earn up to six months’ in prison

Bonfire Night celebrations will take place on Tuesday, November 5^th 2024, with festivities most likely occurring over the weekends on either side. Whether you’re one of the 20 million people flocking to community bonfire events in the UK or you host your own display for family and friends, it’s important to familiarise yourself with the rules around firework use. A mistake could burn a hole in your pocket by landing you with an unlimited fine. 

‘Breaking any of the laws outlined below could result in a £90 on-the-spot fine, plus a further unlimited fine and up to six months’ imprisonment,’ Dan warns. 

‘The law states that you cannot set fireworks off between the hours of 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. although certain public celebrations allow exceptions to this rule. The cut-off time extends to midnight on Bonfire Night and 1 a.m. on New Year’s Eve, Chinese New Year, and Diwali. ‘It’s worth noting that some local councils may have their own restrictions in place in regard to cut-off times. You should be able to find out more on your local council website or by contacting them directly.’ 

‘If intended for private use, you can only purchase fireworks and sparklers from registered sellers between October 15^th and November 10^th, and then between December 26^th-31^st, as well as three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. ‘You can buy fireworks only from licenced shops during other times of the year, if required. If you want to make sure a retailer is licenced to sell fireworks you can ask to see proof or check with your nearest fire brigade department. You should report any retailer that’s mis-selling fireworks to your local Trading Standards.’ 

‘Fireworks come in categories, numbered from one to four, each with different restrictions. Category one fireworks include sparklers; categories 2 and 3 include Roman candles and rockets. You can buy category two and three fireworks if you’re over the age of 18. Under 18s are not allowed to buy or carry fireworks in a public place. ‘Category four fireworks are considered too powerful and dangerous for untrained individuals and can only be bought and used by licensed professionals. When used incorrectly and without caution, fireworks can cause significant damage and risk serious injury to both people and animals.’ 

‘Unless part of a licenced, organised professional event, fireworks must not be used in a public place. It’s a criminal offence to set off any category of firework, including sparklers, in a street, highway, or other public space. 

‘You can set off fireworks in your own back garden at your own risk, although you must only do so during the timeframes previously mentioned.’ 

‘When setting off fireworks, you should be mindful of any nearby livestock, such as horses, sheep, and cows. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 states that it’s an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals, including through the misuse of fireworks, and anyone found guilty of doing so can expect to face up to five years imprisonment.

‘If you’re organising a professional display, you should alert local farmers and stables in advance so precautions can be taken to keep animals safe and minimise distress.’ 

-ENDS-

Viva Money is not a lender but is a fully regulated and authorised credit broker. Viva Money is a registered Trading Name of Digitonomy Limited, Registered in England and Wales (Company number 08385135), Registered Office; Steam Mill Business Centre, Steam Mill Street, Chester, Cheshire, CH3 5AN. Digitonomy Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the Financial Services Register under reference number: 690249. Licenced by the Information Commissioners Office, (registration number ZA007309)     

Dan has worked in the consumer finance sector for over a decade in a number of roles, including developing and maintaining commercial partnerships, marketing, and digital development.

Dan has strong market and product knowledge across a range of consumer finance products including, but not limited to, credit cards, savings, loans, and mortgages.