Are we regulating all the fun out of fireworks?
As Truro cancels its Bonfire Night display, the government is consulting on tightening regulations around fireworks that could put a dampener on this great British tradition, says Steve Raper Nobody is proposing to ban Bonfire Night. Of course they aren’t; but there is more than one way to make a tradition disappear. As Brits, we [...]
Truro has cancelled its second Bonfire Night display in a row, citing costs associated with new crowd safety regulations. This comes as the government is currently consulting on tightening firework regulations, which include stricter noise limits, additional restrictions on certain types of fireworks, and changes to the regulation of lower-risk pyrotechnics.
While there is no intention to ban Bonfire Night, the proposed measures could make it more difficult and costly for communities to continue the tradition. The government is seeking feedback on proposals to reduce the maximum noise level of consumer fireworks from 120dB to 110dB, with the aim of affecting around one third of product types.
However, professional displays would still be able to use louder fireworks. The cancellation of the Truro event highlights the potential consequences of these regulations, as they may disproportionately impact legitimate retailers and responsible consumers. The consultation also acknowledges the importance of preserving traditional and cultural uses of fireworks, ensuring that any new rules do not inadvertently contribute to the disappearance of this cherished British tradition.
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