The Government Wants to Change Firework Laws – Now's Your Chance to Have Your Say
Link to the Government Consultation
Link to the Response Form
The UK Government has launched what could become the most significant review of fireworks legislation in many years, and if you've ever bought fireworks for Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali, Chinese New Year or another celebration, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Whether you love fireworks, have concerns about them, work with them, or simply enjoy an organised display once a year, the Government is asking for public opinion before making any decisions.
This consultation will help shape the future of fireworks in the UK, so it's important that people from all sides of the debate take part.
What is the consultation about?
The Government says it recognises that millions of people enjoy fireworks responsibly every year, but it has also received increasing numbers of complaints about noise, anti-social behaviour and the impact fireworks can have on vulnerable people and animals.
Rather than banning fireworks altogether, the consultation proposes several possible changes to existing regulations.
These include:
- Restricting the loudest consumer fireworks so they would only be available to professional display companies.
- Adding more fireworks to the list of products that cannot be sold to the general public.
- Reviewing the rules surrounding lower-risk pyrotechnic products such as smoke devices and even Christmas crackers.
- Considering lower maximum noise limits for fireworks sold to consumers.
- Looking at how long businesses would need to adapt if any new rules become law.
Nothing has been decided yet.
That's exactly why the Government is asking for feedback.
One proposal that could affect almost everyone
Perhaps the biggest proposal concerns the noise level of consumer fireworks.
At the moment, fireworks sold to the public can produce up to 120 decibels (measured using the current legal testing standard).
The Government is asking whether this should remain the same, or whether the limit should be reduced to:
- 110 dB (around half as loud to the human ear)
- 100 dB
- 90 dB
Professional firework displays would still be able to use louder fireworks because they are organised events, advertised in advance and operated by trained professionals.
It's not just about noise
The consultation also asks for views on a wide range of issues including:
- Which types of fireworks, if any, should no longer be available for public purchase.
- Whether some products currently classed as "low risk" should have tighter or looser regulations.
- How any changes might affect retailers, community groups, professional display companies and consumers.
- Whether there could be unintended consequences if regulations change too quickly.
Why your opinion matters
Too often, consultations are dominated by the loudest voices.
If you regularly enjoy fireworks safely and responsibly, your experience is just as valuable as someone who has concerns about them.
Government consultations work best when they receive evidence from as many different people as possible. Whether you're a parent who enjoys a display in the garden, someone who attends organised events every year, a retailer, an event organiser or someone who prefers quieter fireworks, your views all help build a more complete picture.
Simply put, if you don't take part, someone else will speak on your behalf.
You don't need to be an expert
One of the biggest misconceptions about Government consultations is that you need specialist knowledge.
You don't.
The consultation is written in plain language and asks for your personal views and experiences. You can answer as many or as few of the questions as you wish, and your responses don't have to be technical.
Real-life experiences often provide some of the most valuable evidence.
When does the consultation close?
The consultation is open for 12 weeks and closes on Wednesday 7 October 2026.
After that, the Department for Business and Trade will review all of the responses before deciding whether any changes to fireworks legislation should go ahead.
Make Your Voice Heard
At HEX Fireworks, we've always believed that fireworks should be enjoyed safely, responsibly and with consideration for others.
Whatever your view on the proposals, we encourage everyone with an interest in fireworks to read the consultation and submit a response.
This is your opportunity to help shape the future of fireworks in the UK.
Government consultations don't happen every day - and once new legislation is introduced, it can affect fireworks for many years to come.
If fireworks matter to you, now is the time to make your voice heard.