Fireworks can frighten people and animals. In particular children and the elderly can be intimidated and scared by firework noise . Disturbing domestic pets can also be dangerous as they may become vicious and destructive if they panic.
Currently there are no restrictions on the sale of fireworks other than the prohibition of the sale of fireworks to anyone under 18 years. Caps, cracker snaps and party poppers can be sold to anyone under 16 years.
Unlicensed traders are prohibited from selling fireworks to the public EXCEPT FOR:
Chinese New Year and the preceding three days
Diwali and the preceding three days
15 October to 10 November
26 to 31December
Traders must apply for a licence to the council to supply fireworks all year round.
It is illegal to keep fireworks (except for private use) on premises that have not been registered for this purpose. Individuals can store fireworks for private use for up to 14 days, provided they are kept in a safe place.
When can I use fireworks?
Throwing or setting off fireworks in the street is an offence.
It is an offence for anyone under 18 years of age to possess any large fireworks in a public place. It is an offence for anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks.
The use of fireworks is prohibited between the hours of 11.00pm 7.00am with the exception of the following days:
Chinese New Year 1am
Diwali 1am
New Year’s Eve 1am
5 November Midnight
These restrictions are enforced by the Metropolitan Police, not by us.
Noise nuisance
Fireworks could be considered a statutory nuisance under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990, and it may be possible to serve an abatement notice. However, the following matters need to be taken into account:
A “nuisance in law” needs to be ongoing, and a fireworks event, held maybe once a year, would not be considered to be causing a nuisance.
It is only where there are repeated incidents of fireworks being let off at the same premises that we would consider serving an abatement notice under the provisions of the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
Fireworks are often used to celebrate a significant cultural or religious event, and such an event would be considered by a Court in making any decision.
It is difficult to prove without reasonable doubt that an event or person is solely causing the noise problem when there may be a number of similar events in the area.
The Borough of Hounslow covers a large geographical area, with thousands of buildings and gardens, and it is often difficult to identify the premises where the fireworks are being let off. It may also be difficult to identify the person responsible for letting off the fireworks, as it may not necessarily be the owner.
Fireworks events may not last long enough to allow officers from the Pollution Control Team to identify from where they are coming.
If you require further information on noise nuisance and fireworks, please contact the Pollution Control Team on T:020 8583 5555 or by email at pollution@hounslow.gov.uk. The team provides an out-of-hours service on Friday and Saturday nights between 10pm - 4am in respect of noise nuisance and can be contacted on T: 0208 583 2222.
Pets
If you are concerned about your pet being disturbed due to fireworks, you should consider the following:
Cats
Keep your cat indoors;
Close all windows and curtains;
Leave your cat to take refuge in the corner if it wishes, and do not try to tempt it out as this could cause more stress;
Make sure your cat is microchipped to ensure that it can be returned to you if it escapes and becomes lost.
Dogs
Exercise your dog during the day;
Never walk your dog while fireworks are being let off;
Keep your dog indoor and close the curtains;
Let your dog hide if it wants to take refuge under furniture.
You may also consider asking your vet for advice. If your dog gets very distressed when fireworks are let off, your vet may suggest something such as dog-appeasing pheromone. This is a synthetic version of a chemical produced by a bitch shortly after giving birth, which reassures newborn puppies and naturally calms them down. Scientists have discovered it also helps calm down older dogs as well.
Do not forget dogs and other animals kept outside, and consider bringing them into the house or making sure they have a safe place to go.
Hutches, cages and aviaries should be loosely covered where possible i.e. with polythene sheeting, making sure that air can circulate inside the sheeting.