17 Dec 1999
Scottish Secretary John Reid today advised caution to those selling fireworks for the Millennium celebrations, and warned that stiff penalties await those who use fireworks carelessly.
Mr Reid met local firework safety campaigners, Trading Standards officers and police in Motherwell to discuss safety and the legal obligations on those who buy or sell fireworks.
John Reid said:
"Despite the downward trend, 60 Scots were injured by fireworks last year - three quarters of them children. Safety has to be paramount. I know that many people plan to use fireworks as part of their Millennium celebrations, but I want to urge shopkeepers not to sell fireworks until after Christmas.
"This isn’t about spoiling anyone's fun. But I don’t want to see anyone scarred for life because a mindless minority breaks the law by playing with fireworks in streets across Scotland over the next couple of weeks.
"Those who throw fireworks in the street risk a £5000 fine as well as injuries to themselves and others. Last year more than half the firework injuries in Scotland, mainly to children, were caused by hooligan behaviour.
"That is why it is vital that shopkeepers only display their Millennium fireworks from 27 December - the date agreed with the fireworks trade body. Those buying and selling fireworks must do so responsibly, and I am sure that we can all have a safer Hogmanay if fireworks are used properly to celebrate the new Millennium."
1.In Scotland in 1998 there were 60 reported firework injuries, including 43 to children. More than half (32) of the 60 injuries were caused by hooligan behaviour. Statistics for injuries caused over this year’s traditional firework season are currently being collated by the Department of Trade and Industry.
2.Retailers wanting to sell fireworks must register with the local Trading Standards department or Fire Brigade.
3.The British Pyrotechnists' Association is advising retailers not to display fireworks for sale for the Millennium celebrations until 27 December. Under a voluntary code of practice the firework industry agrees to sell fireworks traditionally for three weeks up to 5 November and for a few days afterwards.
4.Under the Explosives Act 1875 it is an offence to throw or set off fireworks in any highway, street, thoroughfare or public place. Anyone found guilty is liable to a fine of up to £5000.
5. All fireworks for sale to the general public must comply with the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997. The Regulations ban the sale of fireworks to those under 18, the supply of certain large, powerful fireworks and those of erratic flight, and require that fireworks on sale to the public conform to the British Standard. Suppliers and shopkeepers who breach the regulations can be prosecuted and fined up to £5000, face a prison term up to six months, or both.