Firework sales and use to be clamped down on

Legislation bringing in new restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks has been passed by Holyrood, despite concerns that it could create a “black market” for pyrotechnics.

Community safety minister Ash Regan insisted changes in the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill would play a “key part in reducing the harm, the distress and the injury” that can be caused.

However Conservative justice spokesman Jamie Greene raised concerns that by creating a licensing scheme and limiting the number of days when fireworks can be sold, the Bill – which was passed by by 84 votes to zero with 25 abstentions – could lead to stockpiling and the creation of a black market.

He branded the legislation “bonkers and nonsensical”, adding he was “not convinced” it would achieve its primary aim of improving firework safety and reducing the harm caused.

The Bill will only allow fireworks to be bought and used by members of the public at certain times of the year, including Guy Fawkes Night, Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali.

It creates a new licensing system which will mean members of the public will need a licence to buy and use fireworks, while businesses will have to check if those buying pyrotechnics have a licence.

The Bill will also make it an offence to give fireworks to a child or buy them on behalf of a child.

Councils will be able to establish firework control zones where it will be an offence for fireworks to be used, by either the public or professionals, other than in a firework display or essential purposes.