The UK government is reportedly considering plans to ban particularly loud fireworks from sale in shops, as part of a wider push to curb noise from displays sold to the public. Ministers are said to be examining measures that would cut the permitted decibel level of rockets and similar fireworks by as much as half, in a move likely to affect retailers and consumers ahead of seasonal sales periods such as Bonfire Night and New Year.

The proposals reportedly form part of Labour's approach to addressing long-standing complaints about firework noise, which has been linked to disturbance for residents, distress for pets and other animals, and concerns raised by veterans' groups over its effects on people with PTSD. Full details of the timetable, enforcement mechanisms and which specific products would be affected were not fully set out in the available report.