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Fireworks trade warns tighter noise limits could fuel black market sales
The British Fireworks Association has warned MPs that lowering the legal noise limit for fireworks to 90 decibels could amount to a near ban on their sale and drive buyers towards unregulated products. The debate matters as ministers consider reducing fireworks’ noise amid concerns about antisocial use and the effects of loud displays on pets and military veterans.
The Government consultation proposed reducing the limit from 120 to 110 dBAimp, a change the association’s chairman, Steve Raper, said could remove about 30 per cent of varieties from sale. He said a 90 dBAimp limit would exclude around 90 per cent of fireworks brought into the UK, while arguing that stronger enforcement of existing rules would better address harms. The RSPCA supported the lower limit and said quieter fireworks beyond sparklers could be made; MPs also heard calls for firework control zones.
In short
- Fireworks industry warns a 90-decibel limit could nearly end legal sales.
- A 110-decibel limit could remove about 30 per cent of varieties.
- Animal welfare groups back quieter fireworks; industry calls for stronger enforcement.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters of tighter noise limits argue that reducing the loudness of fireworks could lessen distress to pets and military veterans, while preserving access to quieter displays. They see limits as a proportionate way to reduce harm, alongside measures such as firework control zones.
The case against
Opponents argue that a 90 dBAimp limit could remove most fireworks from lawful sale, restricting a longstanding form of celebration without necessarily stopping people from setting them off. They say stronger enforcement of existing rules against antisocial use would target the source of harm more directly and avoid pushing buyers towards unregulated products.
Explained simply
Fireworks in the UK are subject to legal limits on how loud they can be. Ministers have consulted on lowering the current limit, amid concerns about antisocial use and the effects of loud displays on pets and military veterans.
The British Fireworks Association represents businesses involved in the trade, while the RSPCA campaigns for animal welfare. The debate also includes proposals such as firework control zones, which would restrict where fireworks can be used. Lower noise limits could affect which products are sold, while enforcement is another way of addressing misuse.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Labour warned bid to make legal fireworks ‘quieter’ is a ‘ban in all but name’ – and will leave Brits at risk from ‘unsafe’ rockets sold on black market”.