Overview
- In the UK, fireworks are generally prohibited between 11pm and 7am, with exceptions allowing use until 1am on New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year, and until midnight on Bonfire Night.
- Setting off fireworks after 1am on New Year’s can lead to a £90 fixed penalty, while illegal sale or misuse can result in unlimited fines and up to six months in prison.
- Private purchases are limited to October 15–November 10, December 26–31, and the three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year, with sales outside these windows restricted to licensed shops.
- You must be 18 to buy adult fireworks, category 4 devices are for professionals only, and setting off or throwing fireworks in streets or other public places is illegal; local council rules may add further restrictions.
- In the Republic of Ireland, only very low-hazard F1 items are legal without a licence, and offences involving other fireworks are arrestable with potential prison terms and fines under the Explosives Act.