AQW 35096/22-27

Ms Connie Egan
Alliance Party
North Down

Tabled Date: 10/11/2025
Answered On Date: 14/11/2025
Priority Written: Yes

Question:
To ask the Minister of Justice for her assessment of the regulatory framework concerning the sale and use of fireworks.

Answer:

The regulation of fireworks in Northern Ireland is among the most robust in these islands; the existing regulations provide a framework that seeks to ensure that fireworks are sold and bought responsibly for use in both public and private settings.

A retailer must be licensed by my department to store fireworks. Members of the public and professional fireworks display operators must have a fireworks licence for the use of the fireworks. A fireworks licence includes conditions on use, including specifying the types of fireworks that can be used and the time and location of the display. A fireworks licence will only be issued if deemed safe to do so and additional conditions can be added to any licence as necessary, such a requirement to notify neighbours of the display.

There is a balance to be struck between those who enjoy fireworks and those who do not which is why I encourage people using fireworks to be considerate as well as following the law.

The licensing system aids partners, including PSNI, to identify unlicensed and illegal fireworks sale or use. Offences committed under the firework regulations may result in a fine of up to £5,000, or a prison sentence, or both.

The power to restrict the decibel level of fireworks is a reserved matter; however, as part of the information available to the public, the availability of low and no noise options is included.

In recognition of the public concern around the misuse of fireworks, I have instructed my officials to examine penalties and enforcement concerning the illegal use or sale or fireworks in the pending review of sentencing issues.