Justice Minister Naomi Long has issued a timely reminder for anyone planning fireworks displays this Halloween: apply for your licence now or risk breaking the law. With the application deadline of 16 October 2026 fast approaching, the Department of Justice is urging Northern Ireland residents to plan ahead, buy only from registered retailers, and consider the impact of noise on vulnerable neighbours and animals.
The call comes as the UK Government runs a parallel consultation on potential reforms to fireworks legislation, including proposals to reduce maximum noise levels and restrict access to louder pyrotechnics. Northern Ireland already operates one of the strictest fireworks licensing regimes in the UK—a system born from security concerns during the Troubles that continues to shape how residents celebrate today.
How the Licensing System Works
Northern Ireland’s fireworks laws differ significantly from those in England, Scotland and Wales. Since 2002, it has been illegal to buy, possess or use fireworks without a valid licence issued by the Department of Justice. This applies even to small family gatherings in your own garden.
The licensing system works as follows:
- Licence fees start at £30 for events with fewer than 100 spectators, rising to £80 for 100–1,000 attendees, and £160 for larger displays
- Applications must be submitted by 16 October 2026 for Halloween events
- Fireworks must be purchased from Department of Justice-registered retailers—these sellers must display their registration certificate at the point of sale
- Only fireworks listed on your licence can be purchased—any changes require contacting the Firearms and Explosives Branch to amend your licence
Breaking these rules carries serious consequences. Fireworks offences can result in a maximum fine of £5,000, a three-month prison sentence, or both.
Minister Urges Responsibility and Consideration
Minister Long emphasised both legal compliance and community awareness in her statement:
“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.”
On safety, she 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 directly addressed growing public concern about noise and animal welfare:
“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.”
UK-Wide Consultation Could Bring Changes
The Department’s announcement references an ongoing UK Government consultation on fireworks and pyrotechnics, open until 7 October 2026, which could significantly affect Northern Ireland’s regulatory framework.
The consultation seeks views on three main proposals:
- Restricting noisier fireworks to professional users only, reducing the maximum noise level available to the general public
- Adding high-risk products to the banned list under the Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015
- Reviewing regulations for lower-risk products like Christmas crackers to ensure requirements match actual risk levels
Currently, the maximum permitted noise level for consumer fireworks is 120 dB. The consultation is considering reductions to 110 dB, 100 dB or even 90 dB. Because the decibel scale is logarithmic, a reduction of around 10 dB would be perceived as approximately half as loud. Low-noise fireworks typically measure below 80 dB.
Product safety standards are reserved to the UK Government, meaning any changes to maximum noise limits would apply automatically in Northern Ireland.
What the Evidence Shows
The push for reform reflects documented harms. According to Home Office data, fireworks-related fire incidents in the UK rose by 42% year-on-year in 2024/25, reaching 264 incidents. Research consistently shows that private and family displays carry higher injury rates than professional organised events, where trained operators follow strict protocols.
International data from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission found that in 2025, an estimated 13,000 people were injured by fireworks, with burns making up 38% of all emergency room visits. The 15–24 age group accounted for the largest share of injuries, with hands and fingers (35%) and head, face and ears (22%) the most frequently injured body parts.
Animal welfare organisations have also documented significant distress. The RSPCA’s 2024 impact survey found that 66% of respondents identified backyard firework displays as a major concern for animal welfare.
Unanswered Questions and Tensions
While the Minister’s statement promotes low-noise alternatives, it stops short of endorsing the more restrictive options under consultation. This reflects a balancing act between public safety, animal welfare, and cultural traditions—particularly in Northern Ireland, where Halloween fireworks have deep roots despite the strict regulatory framework.
Several tensions remain unresolved:
- Enforcement effectiveness: Despite strict laws, BBC News NI reported in December 2025 that there were “fewer than five” convictions for using fireworks without a licence between January 2024 and September 2025, with zero convictions in the first nine months of 2025
- Resource constraints: In Assembly debates, Minister Long has previously noted that reviewing fireworks legislation would require diverting resources from other justice priorities
- Cross-border considerations: The Republic of Ireland maintains a total ban on fireworks for private use, yet illegal fireworks continue to circulate on both sides of the border
Questions for Stakeholders
As Halloween approaches and the UK consultation nears its deadline, several questions merit consideration:
- Would reducing the maximum noise limit to 90 dB significantly reduce animal distress and anti-social behaviour, or would it simply drive more people toward illegal, unregulated sources?
- Given the very low conviction rates for unlicensed fireworks use, should resources be directed toward enforcement of existing laws rather than creating new regulations?
- How can Northern Ireland balance its unique security history—which shaped these strict laws—against modern concerns about noise pollution and animal welfare?
- Should the Department of Justice actively promote drone displays and other alternatives, as some councils have explored, or leave market choices to consumers?
- With the consultation closing on 7 October 2026—before the Halloween deadline—will the UK Government have sufficient time to implement any changes before the fireworks season?
What You Need to Do
If you plan to use fireworks this Halloween:
- Apply immediately: Submit your licence application to the Firearms and Explosives Branch at Knockview, Stormont Estate, Belfast BT4 3SJ before 16 October 2026
- Buy legally: Check the NIDirect list of registered retailers—never purchase from market stalls, door-to-door sellers, or unverified online sources
- Consider low-noise options: Ask your retailer about quieter alternatives that reduce distress to neighbours and animals
- Follow the firework safety code: Available on the NIDirect fireworks page
- Report illegal activity: Contact PSNI on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111
The UK Government consultation on fireworks reform remains open for responses until 7 October 2026 at gov.uk.