Council Motion: A Sensible Approach to Firework Displays

Many of us will be seeing our inboxes fill with complaints about fireworks being used in an anti-social way. We may have differing opinions about fireworks but we can all agree that if they are used, this should be done responsibly.

This motion, adapted from a template from the RSPCA, sets out some measures that we can put in place to allow licensed, controlled and safe fireworks displays.

This Council notes that:

• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) says the law is failing. It does not prevent or sufficiently reduce the risk of fireworks causing distress, injury or anxiety to people, as well as death, injury or distress to animals.
• That further research is needed to properly understand the impact of noise on animals and people. In the meantime, several things can be done to improve the situation for wildlife and people at risk of being affected by firework explosions.
• Applying the same Challenge 25 legislation to fireworks as there is with Alcohol will ensure that less young people will be injured by fireworks.
• Review of the licensing all public firework displays is needed, ensuring displays are better advertised to the public informing of noise levels and how it may affect people and animals.

This Council resolves to:

• Ensure all public firework displays within [AREA] to be advertised in advance of the event, with appropriate advertising for the size of the display. This will allow residents to take precautions for people in their care and pets. It will also encourage people to attend a public display rather than hold their own private display.
• Actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.
• Encourage local suppliers of fireworks to separate ‘quieter’ fireworks from the loud ones so people can choose which ones they prefer with animal and people safety in mind. Provide large labels to sticker the products with: green for quiet, red for loud.
• Applying Challenge 25 legislation to the sale of fireworks in [AREA]. Challenge 25 is a scheme that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID when they want to buy alcohol. With the danger that Fireworks carry, the same policy should be applied for people who want to possess fireworks.