Bonfires and fireworks

You can buy and use fireworks at certain times of the year, but there are strict laws to keep everyone safe. If you sell fireworks, run a display or plan to use them at home, you must follow these rules. Fireworks can only be sold to adults, and only registered traders can store or supply them.

When you can use fireworks

You can use fireworks from 6pm to 11pm. The only exceptions are:

• 5 November until midnight
• New Year’s Day, Chinese New Year and Diwali until 1am

It is illegal to set off fireworks in a public place at any time.

Buying fireworks

Retailers must follow the law when selling fireworks. It is an offence for a seller to:

• sell fireworks to anyone under 18
• sell fireworks if they are not registered or licensed to store them
• open packs and sell fireworks individually
• sell fireworks in the street or in other public places
• sell fireworks outside the allowed dates:
  • 15 October to 10 November
  • 26 December to 31 December
  • the three days before and the first day of Chinese New Year
  • the three days before and the day of Diwali
• sell more than 5kg of fireworks to a single customer
• sell fireworks outside 7am to 6pm
• fail to display a clear notice (at least 300mm x 400mm) stating that it is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 or for anyone under 18 to have fireworks in a public place

Traders must not supply more than 50kg of fireworks unless they hold a valid licence.

Using fireworks safely

It is illegal for anyone under 18 to have fireworks in a public place. You must not use or supply fireworks that create noise levels above 120 decibels, including bangers, mini rockets and air bombs.

If you plan a public fireworks display, you may need a public entertainment licence.