Types of noise nuisance

Fireworks can be frightening and the elderly and children are frequently scared and intimidated by firework noise. For animals the impact of noise can be serious and disturbing domestic pets can be dangerous as panicked pets may be vicious and destructive. If you’re planning a firework party, be considerate to your neighbours.

To minimise problems:

• tell neighbours, especially the elderly and those with children and pets, that you plan to have a firework display – better still, invite your neighbours
• avoid buying really noisy fireworks – your supplier should be able to tell you what they're selling
• make sure pets and other animals are safely away from fireworks
• hold a firework party on a Friday or Saturday and make sure the noise is over by 11pm
• for traditional celebrations like New Year and Bonfire Night, avoid continuing noise into the early hours
• if a neighbour complains that you're disturbing them, their pets or livestock, be considerate

It's difficult to deal with noise from fireworks as a statutory nuisance as for something to be a nuisance it has to be a continuous issue. Occasional or ‘one off’ displays would not fall under this definition. However, the Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit anyone under 18 from possessing fireworks and anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks in a public place. These regulations also prohibit the use of fireworks at night from 11pm to 7am in England and Wales, with extensions to the curfew for the following festivals:

• until 1am following the first day of Chinese New Year
• until 12am on 5 November
• until 1am on the day following Diwali day
• until 1am on the night of New Years Eve

These regulations are enforced by the police. There's a penalty of up to £5,000 or 6 months in prison for breach of curfew. The supply, purchase or possession of excessively loud fireworks over 120 decibels is also prohibited. The throwing or setting off of fireworks in a highway or street is an offence enforced by the police, with a fine of up to £5,000.

Contact us using the details at the beginning of this guide to discuss an issue with noise from fireworks.