Cross-party think tank the Social Market Foundation has revealed broad support among Brits for tougher rules on traditional fireworks, as well as openness towards newer kinds of animal-friendly displays.
Only 15% are satisfied with the status quo, SMF’s polling of a nationally representative sample of 1,000 British adults revealed.
The SMF’s report – sponsored by the RSPCA – follows growing interest from British policymakers on regulating traditional fireworks.
Earlier this year, a group of MPs led by Judith Cummins proposed a Bill setting maximum noise limits on fireworks that can be sold to the public, but this had to be abandoned due to the snap election call.
Scotland has also passed legislation in the last couple of years to tighten restrictions on when and where fireworks can be used.
The UK’s firework season is the period between end of October and the end of February, marked by several cultural events. As families get in full fireworks swing, the SMF said there should be a greater push to try alternatives and safer kinds of firework use and protect animals.
Existing regulations are inadequate to protect animals and difficult to enforce, the SMF said.
‘We understand that many people enjoy fireworks, but we can’t hide the fact that many animals find fireworks deeply distressing and some end up injured or even lose their lives. We have campaigned for many years urging the UK Government to revise fireworks regulations – ensuring they can be enjoyed responsibly, while better protecting animals.
‘A review of fireworks regulations – including limiting the sale and usage of fireworks to certain times of year, implementing firework control zones and reducing maximum noise levels – will protect animals from harm. The SMF’s findings show that the majority of people support this as well.’
CARRIE STONES
Campaigns manager at the RSPCA
In his foreword, Andrew Pakes MP, who has been campaigning on the issue, said that the SMF report ‘offers practical steps for reducing the harm fireworks cause, without taking away from the joy they bring.’
The SMF’s survey revealed that nearly a quarter of the public would be open to complete replacement of traditional fireworks, while 91% were open to some degree of alternatives being used alongside traditional fireworks.
Over 60% said they’d enjoy alternatives just as much, and this figure rises to 66% among those that have attended events with alternative displays.
Despite the openness of the British public, alternatives are not widely used in the UK compared with countries like Japan and Hong Kong.
In Japan, arguably the global leader in illumination displays, people visit from all over the world to attend illumination festivals.
In 2019, one festival in the city of Osaka attracted over 17 million visitors and contributed approximately 92 billion yen (approximately £795 million in GDP in real terms) to the local economy.
The SMF set out a two-pronged strategy for government to facilitate greater adoption of alternative firework display styles – tougher regulation on use of traditional displays, while empowering local councils to try out newer types of displays.
The strategy involves tougher regulation and innovation with displays.
The maximum decibel level of all traditional fireworks should be reduced from 120 dB to 90 dB, as is the case in New Zealand.
The sale of consumer fireworks should be limited to indoor or handheld fireworks or those designed for use in a confined outdoor space, and only to specialised/licensed shops.
We should follow Scotland’s example, and allow local councils to designate ‘firework-free zones’ in areas where fireworks are likely to have a greater impact on animals, the environment and vulnerable peoples.
When firework-free zones are in place, local councils should organise their own alternative displays and draw on examples from other countries, such as Japan.
Local councils should also explore opportunities to incorporate the use of drone displays, light shows, and ‘quiet fireworks’ into traditional displays. This will help introduce them and their use to the public, which SMF polling indicates will in turn increase their popularity.
Reduced bureaucracy for companies that are wishing to invest in higher quality displays would be positive, particularly as it would allow new companies to enter the market and push up quality through greater competition.
‘The overwhelming public support for alternative firework displays, as revealed by our research, shows that a real opportunity here for the government to listen to the public’s concerns and take steps toward better, safer firework use.
‘Our findings highlight not only the public’s readiness but also the untapped potential for creating safer, more inclusive, and lucrative celebrations. The path forward is clear—stricter regulations on traditional fireworks, combined with innovation and investment in alternative displays, can bring real benefits to communities, animals, and the environment alike.
‘As we head into the UK’s firework season, we have set out a clear pathway for policymakers in Whitehall and across the country to maintain the vibrancy of these events while reducing the distress caused to animals.’
DANI PAYNE
Senior researcher at Social Market Foundation
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