A valid fireworks licence is needed to buy, possess and use certain types of fireworks across the country
As Halloween fast approaches in Northern Ireland, the public is encouraged to learn the rules surrounding fireworks that are in place.
A valid fireworks licence is needed to buy, possess and use certain types of fireworks across the country – even if just used in a small family celebration.
The Minister of Justice encouraged those celebrating with the intention of using fireworks to follow the safety code issued by nidirect.
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Minister Long said: “I am urging people to be responsible and ensure that Halloween is safe for everyone and no one suffers unnecessary injuries. Please give yourself enough time to apply for a licence and remember to follow the firework safety code.”
Here are the current rules and advice in NI for fireworks, according to nidirect:
Licencing and the law
You must not possess, buy or use fireworks (except indoor fireworks and sparklers) unless you have a fireworks licence issued by the Department of Justice for Northern Ireland.
It is illegal for fireworks to be sold from premises not licensed/registered by the Department of Justice (retailers are required to display their certificates of registration at the point of sale)
Fireworks offences carry a maximum fine of £5,000 or a three-month prison sentence, or both.
Illegal types of fireworks
- aerial wheels
- bangers
- double bangers
- flash bangers
- batteries and combinations containing bangers, double bangers or flash bangers
- jumping crackers
- jumping ground spinners
- spinners
- mini rockets and shot tubes whose principal effect is a bang or whose internal diameter is greater than 30 millimetres
NI firework safety code
If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of a celebration and have been given a licence, you should follow these safety steps:
- only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must meet – a reputable shop will know this
- don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
- store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take out one at a time
- keep a bucket of water nearby
- follow the instructions on each firework – read by torchlight, don’t use a naked flame
- light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
- make sure everyone stands well back
- don’t go back to a firework that is lit – even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
- don’t put fireworks in your pocket
- don’t throw fireworks
- always supervise children around fireworks, don’t give sparklers to a child under five
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- keep pets indoors
- don’t set off fireworks late at night
- take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues – all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire
Addtional advivce from nidirect:
- Fireworks can cause fear and distress especially amongst older people and more vulnerable members of the community
- You are also reminded of the traumatic effects that fireworks can have on pets and farm animals
- Low noise fireworks may be available to buy from your local registered retailer
Firework retailers across Northern Ireland
The following are registered firework retailers:
Co Antrim
9 Chapel Lane
Belfast
BT1 1HH
Caroline McCullough
17 Heron Road
Belfast
BT3 9LE
132 Shankill Road
Belfast
BT13 1BD
91a Pharis Road
Armoy
Ballymoney
BT53 8YA
Co Armagh
Co Down
272 Dublin Road
Newry
BT35 8RL
2a Frances Street
Newtownards
BT23 4JA
31 St Mary Street
Newry
BT34 2AA
67 Concession Road
Cullaville, Crossmaglen
Newry
BT35 9AN
Co Fermanagh
253 Old Coach Road
Derrylea
Kinawley
Co Fermanagh
BT92 4HL
39 Main StreetBelleek
EnniskillenBT93 3FY
203 Cavan Road
Newtownbutler
Enniskillen
BT92 8FB
Co Derry
15 Kilrea Road
Maghera
BT46 5HX
11a Ballyrashane Road
Coleraine
BT52 2NL
Co Tyrone
127A Ballymaguire Road
Stewartstown
Dungannon
Co Tyrone
BT71 5NJ
75 Carnalea Road
Fintona
Omagh
BT78 2JD
For the full fireworks guidance and advice, see the nidirect website here
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