The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill has been published. This proposes:
- a new power for local authorities to designate firework control zones, where it is not permitted for the public to use fireworks,
- restricting the days fireworks can be sold to and used by the general public,
- a new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks and pyrotechnics to under-18s to ensure adults do not purchase such products on behalf of children and
- a new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic while at, or travelling to, certain places or events, without reasonable excuse.
The proposed Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill is in addition to new regulations which came into force at the end of June restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.
Citizens’ Assembly of Scotland: research report