Don't Ban Fireworks, Crack Down On Cowboy Vendors

10.38.10am GMT Wed 5th Nov 2003

Commenting on the 75,000 strong petition being presented to Downing Street tomorrow calling for tougher restrictions on the sale of fireworks, Malcolm Bruce MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, said: "We don't need a ban on fireworks, we need to crack down on the cowboy vendors."

"This means better regulation of what is safe to sell, to whom fireworks can be sold and where they can be used."

"We must not lose sight of the fact new laws must be about increasing safety and reducing nuisance, not regulating businesses out of existence."

ENDS

Notes To Editors

The DTI records injuries for only a 4 week period in October - November.

Although the number of firework injuries fell in 2002 compared to 2001 there has been an increase of 11% in the number of injuries since Labour came to power in 1997.

The seriousness of injuries has also increased with 365 people being referred to an out-patient department (17.5% increase on 1997) and 55 people having to be detained overnight in a hospital (11% increase).

There has been a rise in the number of injuries among all age groups under 20 since 1997.

Source: http://www.dti.gov.uk/ccp/topics1/pdf1/firework9702.pdf>

Bill Tynan MP's Private Members Bill on Fireworks was published on 13th February 2003 and received Royal Assent 18 September 2003.

The Fireworks Act enables the Government to:

• impose a noise limit of 120 decibels on fireworks available to the public;

• ban the use of fireworks during anti-social hours.

• license people who sell fireworks.

• allow local authorities to refuse and revoke licenses if retailers act inappropriately.

• create a compulsory training course for operators of public firework displays.

The DTI will be consulting next year on draft regulations which will be in place for the 2004 fireworks season.