If you're planning to buy, possess or use fireworks this
Halloween, it's time to apply for a licence, says Justice
Minister .
The Minister is also urging people to be aware of the firework
safety code and to be considerate about the impact of firework
noise on vulnerable members of the community and animals.
The Department of Justice must receive applications for fireworks
use over the Halloween period no later than 16 October 2026.
The Minister said: The law states that if you wish to purchase,
possess or use fireworks, a licence is required. It is an offence
to buy or be in possession of fireworks without one. The
Department will process applications as quickly as possible,
although I would ask anyone wishing to obtain a licence to apply
in good time.
Fireworks must be purchased from a supplier who has been
registered by the Department of Justice. Don't be tempted to buy
from illegal sources as the fireworks may not be safe and you
could face prosecution. Registered retailers should be easily
identified as they must display their licence or certificate of
registration prominently at the point of sale.
Licence applications and a list of registered firework retailers
are available from NIDirect(external link opens in
a new window / tab)
Anyone who has information about the illegal sale and use of
fireworks should contact the PSNI on 101, or anonymously
call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Most fireworks events pass off without incident, however each
year there are a number of casualties as a result of using
fireworks incorrectly. The firework code can be viewed on the NI
Direct website.
The Minister added: I am asking people to be responsible
and follow the firework safety code to avoid firework related
injuries. I know many families look forward to Halloween. It
should be an enjoyable time and it's important that parents and
others organising events are aware of the risks, particularly for
children and young people.
The Minister also stressed the importance of being considerate
while planning fireworks displays.
She said: Fireworks play an important role in many
celebrations, community events and personal milestones throughout
the year, and are enjoyed responsibly by the vast majority of
people. However, I recognise that views on their use vary
considerably. Many people have expressed serious concerns about
the noise, safety risks and distress that fireworks can cause, to
vulnerable members of the community and to animals, particularly
when set off unpredictably in residential areas.
Please be mindful of the impact that fireworks can
have. Low-noise fireworks are available and making a simple
change could help make Halloween more enjoyable for your
neighbours and cause less distress to animals.
The UK Government is currently running a public consultation on
reforms to fireworks and pyrotechnics legislation, seeking views
on: proposals to reduce the maximum noise level of consumer
fireworks; review whether additional high risk products should be
banned from public sale, and reassess the regulatory framework
for lower risk pyrotechnic products to ensure requirements are
proportionate to the risks they pose. This consultation is
open until 7 October 2026 and you may wish to consider submitting
a response. https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk
Notes to editors:
1. Visit NIDirect
website(external link opens in a new window / tab) to
get:
- details on how to apply for a licence, including an
application form
- a list of retailers
- guidance for members of the public and information on the law
surrounding fireworks
- information and advice on using fireworks safely
2. Information for retailers regarding the legislation
regarding the storage of fireworks is available on NIbusinessinfo website(external
link opens in a new window / tab)
3. Completed application forms together with the
appropriate fee should be returned to Firearms and Explosives
Branch, Knockview, Stormont Estate, Belfast BT4 3SJ.
4. The Explosive (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern
Ireland) 2002 came into operation in May 2002 and made it
compulsory for anyone wishing to purchase, possess and use
fireworks to obtain a licence.
5. The licence fee where there are less than 100
spectators is £30 and increases incrementally, depending on the
number of spectators. The fireworks listed on your licence are
the only fireworks that you can purchase. If you require
alternative or additional fireworks, you must contact the
Department's Firearms and Explosives Branch to have your licence
amended before making the purchase.
6. The UK government consultation seeks views on a number of
issues. The safety of products is reserved to the UK
government. This includes the maximum permitted noise level
for fireworks. Any change to the maximum permitted noise
level for fireworks would apply in Northern Ireland. The
current maximum permitted noise level for fireworks is 120 dB,
whereas low-noise fireworks are typically below 80 dB. As
decibels are measured on a logarithmic scale, even relatively
small reductions in decibel levels can result in a significant
reduction in perceived loudness. For example, a reduction
of around 10 dB is generally perceived as approximately half as
loud. Details of the consultation: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/fireworks-and-pyrotechnics-in-the-uk
