Tighter controls or time to stop? What Mail readers think about banning the sale of fireworks

There have been increasing calls to ban the sale of fireworks to members of the public – this is what Mail readers had to say.

Published 5th Nov 2020, 15:37 BST

This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission on items purchased through this article, but that does not affect our editorial judgement.

Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

The current law states that fireworks can only be purchased from registered sellers for private use between October 15 and November 10, December 26 to 31 and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.

It is illegal for under 18s to buy fireworks and they must not be set off between 11pm and 7am, except for on Bonfire Night, when the cut off is midnight and New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, when the cut off is 1am.

Last year, a petition calling for the Government to ban fireworks received 305,579 signatures, prompting MPs to debate the issue in Parliament.

This is what Mail readers had to say about banning fireworks.

This is what Mail readers had to say about banning fireworks.

This is what you said on the Hartlepool Mail Facebook page:

Anne Parkinson: “Its ridiculous, fireworks get into the wrong hands, the fireworks should only be given to organised displays.

"I have a dog and I thought I was going to lose him last year, it was awful watching him suffer for others’ enjoyment.”

Kay Laverick: “My dogs don't have an issue, however my autistic adult children do. They are terrified when they are going off.

“If they were confined to being used for only a one-week period around Bonfire Night and New Year then it would be much easier to prepare my family.

"I don’t want to spoil anyone’s fun as I do like fireworks but I fail to see how everyone's needs can be accommodated."

New beer garden rejected for The 9 Anchors micropub in Seaton Carew - despite ca...

Les Fisher: “I certainly didn’t think of animals at one time because it didn’t effect my dogs, but this dog we have now is petrified and makes me realise that fireworks should be banned forever.”

Dave Cargill: “Just have tighter controls on dates and times of use.”

Paul Willingham: “Won't make a difference people, will still get hold of them anyway.”

Wendy Liddle Forster: “What is the point in them? Anyone with a pet dreads this time of year.”

Terry Craddock: They are old fashioned, out of date and dangerous. Also think about people’s pets.”

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day.

With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content.

Click here to subscribe.

Hartlepool Mail Government MPs Parliament Facebook