Should private firework displays be regulated?

It’s 5th November and Bonfire Night is upon us again. For many, this is a fun time of the year when we think back to the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. People all over the country light fireworks in their back gardens creating some lovely displays in the night autumn sky. Public displays are also common, however there will be none this year due to the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. This also happens to be the first day of a one month lockdown currently in force across England.

The other side I want to look at is the fact that fireworks can also be a dangerous, especially when in the wrong hands. Just this past weekend there was an incident in Dundee where up to 100 youths were causing mayhem in the street. They decided to aim fireworks at responding police officers. A similar incident happened last year in Blackburn. If it’s not people then cars have also been target as we saw last month in Sheffield. I don’t feel I need to go into the type of damage this incredibly reckless action could cause.

Permit Controlled Displays?

The question I ask is: Should private firework displays be regulated? Now, let me clarify my position, I am absolutely not in favour of banning fireworks completely. I don’t believe in banning things as this spoils things for everybody thanks to the actions of a few feral youths who are the minority. However, I would propose that maybe we could institute some sort of control system to prevent fireworks ending up in the hands of people who behave dangerously with them. These are not toys. They should be treated as the explosive ordinances they are.

What I would be in favour of would be the introduction of a fireworks permit which could be issued by an individual’s local council around Firework Night each year. An application could be submitted online, or in person a week or two beforehand. Retailers would only be permitted to sell fireworks within a week or a few days before 5th November. They would also only be able sell to persons in receipt of a valid permit. Anyone in possession of fireworks without a permit would be liable to large fines and confiscation of the fireworks.

One could argue that such a system would not work 100% anyway, so why bother implementing it? I take that point on board, and I agree that yes it would not work 100%, however it would work to an extent at ensuring who can purchase fireworks and who cannot. If it would be enough to prevent the incidents I have mentioned above then I would suggest it is worth bringing in. Another side to look at is people unnecessarily lighting them weeks before the 5th November, at all hours of the night disrupting people and causing distress to pets. Fireworks should be kept to the 5th November only.

I don’t like to consider myself a killjoy and promote free thinking just as much as the next person. However, given just how dangerous fireworks can be, I feel this may be a potential solution to preventing unnecessary injury caused by feral youths up and down the country who cannot handle the responsibility of handling fireworks. I would love to know your thoughts on this. Whether you are for or against my idea, or if you think there is a better way? I promote free speech on this website and would love to hear your views. Leave a comment below and let me know.