As discussed in my other article “Fireworks consultation 2026 – why animal owners should have their say”, the Government has recently launched a public consultation on proposed changes to fireworks regulations.

I wanted to pull together some tips to support animal lovers, who feel strongly about the effect of fireworks in completing the consultation.

First and foremost, you don’t have to answer all the questions. There may be questions you’re not sure about, they may be more technical or you just may not feel they’re relevant; you can just concentrate on the ones that matter to you. The Government isn’t asking you to be an expert in fireworks law. It’s asking for your views. Your own experiences and observations are valid evidence and are exactly the kind of information public consultations are designed to gather.

Question 1

Are there any other particular F2 and F3 fireworks products that you think the general public should not be allowed to buy? Please state which products and give your reasons.

What they’re asking

F2 and F3 are the main categories of consumer fireworks. F2 fireworks are designed for smaller outdoor spaces (minimum safety distance of 8 metres) and F3 fireworks for larger outdoor spaces (minimum safety distance of 25 metres). These categories only relate to safety distance – they do not tell you how loud or powerful a firework is.

The Government wants to know whether there are any particular consumer fireworks that should no longer be available for public purchase.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Particular products you think should only be available to professional users.
• Products that are especially loud or are designed mainly to create loud bangs.
• Whether restrictions should focus on individual product characteristics, such as noise output or potential for misuse, rather than all F2 or all F3 fireworks.
• Any experiences you’ve had with particular products causing distress, injury or nuisance.

Question 2

If more products are added to the regulation 33 banned list, what consequences might there be for consumers, industry, enforcement authorities, professional users, and others? Please give your reasons.

What they’re asking

Regulation 33 already bans the sale of certain fireworks and pyrotechnic products to the general public because they are considered to present an unacceptable risk.

The Government is asking what the wider effects would be if more fireworks were added to that list. It isn’t asking whether you support the idea (that’s covered elsewhere); it’s asking what difference you think it would make in practice.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Whether restricting certain products could reduce animal distress or injuries.
• Whether it could reduce anti-social behaviour or misuse.
• Whether quieter alternatives would still allow people to celebrate.
• Whether businesses would need time to adapt.
• Any wider benefits or drawbacks you think should be considered.

Question 3

Do you agree that regulation 33(1)(g) should be amended to make explicit that a firework comprising more than one shot tube is banned from sale to the general public?

What they’re asking

This is a technical legal change. The Government says these products are already intended to be banned, but wants the law to make this clearer.

• Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you
• Whether you support making legislation clearer.
• Whether clearer wording would make enforcement easier.
• If you don’t have a view, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip this question.

Question 4

Do you agree that the age limit for purchasing Christmas crackers should be removed?

What they’re asking

Christmas crackers are currently treated as pyrotechnic articles, meaning there is an age restriction on buying them. The Government is asking whether that restriction is still appropriate.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Whether you think Christmas crackers pose a significant safety risk.
• Whether the current restriction feels proportionate.
• Whether removing the age restriction would have any practical impact.

Question 5

Are there any other specific F1 and P1 pyrotechnics that should have their regulatory requirements increased or decreased? Please state which products, what regulatory requirements you think they should have and give your reasons.

What they’re asking

F1 products are very low-risk pyrotechnics, such as party poppers and novelty items. P1 products are technical pyrotechnics intended for purposes other than fireworks, but some are available to consumers.

The Government wants to know whether the current rules for these products should change.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Whether there are particular low-risk products you think need tighter regulation.
• Whether there are products that you think are over-regulated.
• If you don’t know enough about these products, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip this question.

Question 6

Do you agree the decibel level of fireworks consumers use should be lowered?

What they’re asking

This is asking whether the maximum legal noise limit for consumer fireworks should stay at 120 dB (A,imp) or be reduced.

The consultation explains that:

• 110 dB would be perceived as around half as loud as 120 dB.
• 100 dB would be perceived as around one quarter as loud.
• 90 dB would be perceived as around one eighth as loud.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Whether you support reducing the noise limit.
• Why you think the level you’ve chosen is appropriate.
• Whether quieter fireworks could still provide an enjoyable display.
• Any experiences you’ve had with loud fireworks affecting animals or vulnerable people.

Question 7

What might be the positive impacts of reducing the maximum decibel level of fireworks available to the general public? Please explain your answer, providing evidence where possible.

What they’re asking

The Government wants evidence about the benefits that lower-noise fireworks might bring.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Reduced fear and distress in pets, horses, livestock or wildlife.
• Fewer injuries caused by animals panicking.
• Less stress for owners trying to keep animals safe.
• Fewer complaints from communities.
• Benefits for vulnerable people, such as babies or people sensitive to loud noise.
• Any personal experiences that support your views.

Question 8

What might be the negative impacts of reducing the maximum decibel level of fireworks available to the general public? Please explain your answer, providing evidence where possible.

What they’re asking

The Government wants to understand any disadvantages of reducing the noise limit.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Whether you think quieter fireworks would reduce enjoyment of displays.
• Whether consumers might choose to attend professional displays instead.
• Whether manufacturers would need time to redesign products.
• If you don’t think there would be significant negative impacts, it’s perfectly acceptable to say so and explain why.

Question 9

How much lead in time would businesses need to prepare for the changes proposed in this consultation and why? Please state a lead in time in months or years, and explain your answer, providing evidence where possible.

What they’re asking

If changes are made, they won’t happen immediately. The Government wants to know how long businesses would need to prepare.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• Whether manufacturers and retailers would need time to sell existing stock.
• Whether enough time should be allowed to redesign products or update packaging.
• Whether the transition should be long enough to be practical but not so long that improvements to safety and welfare are unnecessarily delayed.
• If you don’t have a view, it’s perfectly acceptable to skip this question.

Question 10

What other things should we consider when setting a lead in time? You may wish to reference the impact on people who buy fireworks, enforcement bodies, police or the general public.

What they’re asking

The Government is asking whether there are any other practical issues that should be considered before any new rules come into force.

Things you could mention if they’re relevant to you

• The need for clear public communication about any rule changes.
• Giving retailers and consumers enough notice before changes take effect.
• Ensuring enforcement bodies understand the new rules.
• Whether any awareness campaigns would help people understand why changes have been made.

Before submitting your response, remember…

• There are no right or wrong answers.
• You don’t need to answer every question.
• It’s perfectly acceptable to say you don’t know.
• Personal experience is valuable evidence.
• Explain why you hold your view wherever you can.
• If you have examples, include them.

To read more and take part in the consultation visit GOV.UK

The consultation closes Wednesday 7th October 2026.