Richard Holden, Member of Parliament for North West Durham, has launched a survey on the sale of fireworks.
Richard has been contacted by several constituents concerned about the sale and use of fireworks. Those who own animals can find that the constant use of fireworks on occasions such as Bonfire Night cause real distress to their pets and want to see the law changed to ensure better animal protection. Those with mental health issues can also find the use of fireworks upsetting.
Currently, the law states that you must be 18 or over to buy fireworks, and fireworks cannot be set off between 11pm and 7am. There are exceptions to this, including Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight, and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am. You can also obtain a license through the council for a particular occasion that allows the 11pm cut off to be extended. Category four fireworks must only be used by professionals, and fireworks, including sparklers, are not to be set off or used in the street or other public places.
Fireworks can only be bought from registered sellers for private use from 15th October to 10th November, 26th December to 31st December and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year. Throughout the rest of the year, fireworks must be bought from licensed shops. Illegally selling or using fireworks can result in a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of up to £5000.
Richard has now launched a survey on the issue to find out what people across North West Durham think. The survey can be completed here.
Commenting, Richard Holden, Member of Parliament for North West Durham, said:
“Banning the sale of and use of fireworks is something some people feel very passionately about, whether it’s pet owners concerned about the impact the use of fireworks has on their pets, or those with mental health or health issues who find the use of fireworks distressing to deal with.
“The sale and use of fireworks currently has legal restrictions that ensure people cannot use fireworks constantly throughout the year, but I am keen to find out what my constituents feel about the issue and encourage everyone to complete the survey on my website.”
To hear more about the work that Richard is doing for North West Durham, you can sign up here or input your details in the form on this page.