The template Council Motion below relates to the the government consultation taking place over Summer 2026 that proposes restricting the sale of excessively loud fireworks to the general public.
Fireworks and pyrotechnics in the UK – GOV.UK
This is to reduce noise-related stress for residents – but also to help tackle the anti-social behaviour sometimes associated with fireworks.
You can also find some additional materials from ALDC on fireworks here.
The template motion below encourages your council to respond to, and promote, the consultation that closes on 7 October 2026.
This Council notes;
- That firework displays are common throughout the world and are the focal point of many cultural and religious celebrations.
- The rising number of complaints about all year round noise nuisance from excessively loud fireworks.
- The impact loud bangs have on some people. Such as those who are anxious about loud noises, people with a disability for whom loud noises can be extremely disturbing and those people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Many household pets and wild animals suffer distress as a result of fireworks.
- Increasing incidents of anti-social use of fireworks – for instance on public land without permission.
This Council believes that everyone has a right to enjoy firework displays, and the right to buy fireworks for private use. However Council remains concerned that certain fireworks, freely available to the public, are needlessly loud and anti-social.
Council notes the Government consultation, that is currently live, that proposes restricting the sale of noisy fireworks to the general public and instead limiting their use to organised public displays. The public could still buy normal fireworks for private use.
This Council resolves to:
- Respond to the Government consultation in support of restricting the sale of excessively loud fireworks (above a certain decibel level) to the general public and limiting their use to organised displays, while retaining the rights of the public to buy normal and moderate sounding fireworks.
- Promote this consultation to local organisations and partner groups who may have an interest in the consultation. This includes faith, cultural and minority groups; local mental health charities, local animal welfare charities and veterans groups.
- Investigate how we can promote and support public firework displays to maximise attendance at these – reducing the need for private displays from private properties that are more likely to take place at unpredictable hours.
- Investigate how the Council can use public firework displays to celebrate the cultural diversity of the district and bring residents together.