Managing Firework-Related Anti-Social Behaviour: Practical Guidance for ASB Professionals

With firework season fast approaching, particularly around Bonfire Night and New Year’s Eve, many communities experience an increase in firework-related anti-social behaviour (ASB). Incidents can range from nuisance noise and distress caused to vulnerable individuals and animals, to dangerous misuse of fireworks that lead to property damage or pose risks to public safety. There has been a lot of news on the subject in the last few weeks, and last years case of the 88 year old woman being killed by a firework shows that this is an issue which requires a proactive stance. Here at Green & Burton ASB Associates, we thought it would be helpful to put together a guide to support ASB professionals in understanding these seasonal challenges and implementing effective strategies to minimise their impact.

Why Is Firework-Related ASB a Concern?

Fireworks can be disruptive in several ways:

Noise Nuisance: The loud bangs can disturb communities, particularly those with elderly residents, young children, and pets. In some areas, fireworks are set off late at night, breaching acceptable noise levels and causing public disturbance.
Dangerous Misuse: Fireworks, when misused, can become hazardous. There are increasing reports of fireworks being thrown at people, vehicles, or buildings, which poses serious safety risks.
Public Fear and Distress: Vulnerable groups, such as those with mental health issues, PTSD, or autism, may experience heightened anxiety during firework displays or unexpected use. Unregulated displays can exacerbate these problems.
Environmental and Property Damage: Fireworks can result in fires, littering, and damage to private or public property.

Tackling Firework Related ASB: Legislation and Local Authority Powers

Being well-versed in the laws governing firework use can give you a great advantage in tackling the issue as part of your role. In the UK, fireworks are regulated by several laws:

– The Fireworks Regulations 2004 and Explosives Act 1875 outline when and where fireworks can be sold and used, including time restrictions (11 p.m. curfew, with exceptions for certain dates).

– The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 gives local authorities and police powers to issue Community Protection Notices (CPNs) and Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) to prevent or reduce firework misuse.

– The Noise Act 1996 can be used to tackle excessive noise levels caused by fireworks.

Local councils and law enforcement have the authority to seize fireworks being used inappropriately, issue fines, and in more severe cases, prosecute individuals who breach the law.

Practical Tips for Managing Firework-Related ASB

Here are some strategies ASB professionals can adopt to minimise firework-related ASB:

1. Collaborate with Local Partners

ASB professionals should work closely with police, fire services, and community groups to take a joined-up approach to tackling firework ASB. This collaboration allows for the most rapid and coordinated response to activity, where initiatives such as increasing patrols in hotspot areas, sharing intelligence, and addressing issues swiftly can be realty impactful. Joint patrols with local police in high-risk areas can deter potential offenders, and fire safety initiatives in partnership with fire services can raise awareness of the dangers of firework misuse.

2. Use Data to Identify and Target Hotspots

Using ASB data from previous years, professionals can identify patterns of firework misuse and potential hotspots. This allows for the effective deployment of resources during peak times.

Mapping tools can be employed to target areas where complaints and incidents were highest in the past.
Early intervention is crucial, so increasing patrols or introducing powers such as dispersals or PSPOs in these locations can prevent problems before they escalate.

3. Engage the Community

Community engagement is essential for preventing firework-related ASB. Ensuring the public is aware of the legalities surrounding firework use and the potential penalties for misuse can act as a deterrent.

Communication campaigns can inform residents about the times and locations where fireworks can be used, how to report ASB, and the fines associated with breaches. Use social media, local papers, and council websites for this outreach.
Educating young people through school visits or youth groups about the dangers of firework misuse and the impact it can have on their communities can be a successful community safety strategy. Youth diversion activities, such as organising safe firework displays, can also steer young people away from harmful behaviour.
Encouraging respectful behaviour in the community should be a priority as this a significant way of demonstrating a collaborative rather than restrictive approach. Supporting the advance notice of households planning fireworks to their neighbours for instance, making a commitment to end the display by a certain time or using noiseless fireworks are all behaviours which can allow for people to enjoy the fireworks celebrations while minimising complaints or disruption.

4. Consider Restricting Firework Sales

Working with Trading Standards and local businesses, ASB professionals can consider advocating for restrictions on the sale of fireworks, particularly to underage individuals or those without proper licensing.

Engaging with retailers to ensure they comply with regulations can reduce the likelihood of fireworks falling into the wrong hands.
Encouraging the use of silent fireworks, as being planned in Lancashire this year, may help reduce noise complaints while still allowing for celebration.

5. Utilise Enforcement Powers

Where appropriate, the full range of enforcement tools is available for use:

Community Protection Notices (CPNs): Can be issued to individuals or businesses causing ongoing firework-related ASB.
Closure Orders: tempotarily closing a business which is selling fireworks irresponsibly or illegally
Injunctions: can be applied for against individuals who have caused or are threatening to cause firework-related ASB
Dispersal Orders: allow Police to be able to move people from areas and seize items, such as fireworks
Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs): Restrict the use of fireworks in specific areas to prevent disorder.
Seizing fireworks from those using them dangerously or illegally.
Tenancy Warnings: taking proportionate action where the nuisance is a breach of tenancy

6. Support Vulnerable Residents

Some groups are disproportionately affected by fireworks. It’s essential to offer support to vulnerable residents who may be impacted by increased firework use.

Work with housing teams to ensure vulnerable tenants, particularly those with pets, PTSD, or other sensitivities, are given appropriate support.
Consider issuing guidance to residents on how to protect pets or reduce anxiety during firework displays (e.g., keeping pets indoors, using soundproofing techniques).

7. Promote Safe and Organised Displays

Encouraging residents to attend professional, organised displays rather than setting off fireworks in back gardens or public spaces is another effective way to reduce incidents of ASB. Partnering with local event organisers to promote public displays as a safer alternative, and providing guidance on applying for firework display permits and the need for appropriate safety measures can be effective measures to prevent unofficial fireworks displays.