Public supports tougher police action on misuse of fireworks

And 77 per cent backed the introduction of a new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic in a public place without reasonable excuse or lawful authority.

Although Police Scotland reported fewer incidents this year over the bonfire night period, a number of officers and other emergency services workers were targeted with fireworks.

Police Scotland introduced a policing plan under the name Operation Moonbeam in 2018 in response to significant public disorder and anti-social behaviour linked to fireworks and pyrotechnics. This had included targeted attacks on the blue light services responding to emergency calls during the fireworks night period.

The public consultation, which asked for views on the Scottish government’s Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill, supported tougher action on the sale and use of fireworks.

The proposed Bill follows the report of an independent Fireworks Review Group, which recommended tightening legislation to reduce the harm fireworks can cause.

Published on Friday (December 3), the consultation, which attracted 1,739 responses, shows that:

• 70 per cent agreed with extending police powers to allow a stop and search provision in relation to pyrotechnics;
• 92 per cent agreed with the introduction of a new offence to criminalise the supply of fireworks to under-18s;
• 84 per cent backed the introduction of a fireworks licensing system; and
• More than 60 per cent agreed with restrictions for the general public on the days fireworks can be sold and used.

Community Safety Minister Ash Regan said: “The consultation builds on a significant programme of engagement and evidence gathering and demonstrated the range of views among those who responded.

“I am committed to making our communities safer and we have already moved quickly to introduce regulations restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.

“We are intent on further improving safety for communities across Scotland by taking forward the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill at the earliest opportunity to ensure appropriate action is taken over the sale and use of fireworks and to reduce the misuse of pyrotechnic devices such as flares.”

The proposed Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Bill is in addition to new regulations which came into force at the end of June restricting the times of day and the volume of fireworks that can be supplied to the public – as well as the times fireworks can be set off.

This year Police Scotland recorded 20 per cent fewer calls and reported incidents compared with 2020, due largely to the “ongoing impact of Covid-19”, which resulted in fewer organised events.

Throughout Thursday, November 4, and Friday, November 5, 649 calls were received by police in relation to fireworks, and a further 105 regarding fires.

In 2020 these figures were 798 and 153, respectively.

Operation Moonbeam lead, Assistant Chief Constable Tim Mairs, said the reduction in calls during this traditionally high-demand period was “very encouraging”.

“However, unfortunately a number of police officers as well as colleagues from the other emergency services were targeted by a minority of people intent on causing disorder. I utterly condemn this behaviour,” he said at the conclusion of this year’s operation.

“Thankfully, none of those affected sustained serious injuries but no one should have to face violence in the course of their duties. These kind of incidents put intense additional pressure on the emergency services and impact our officers’ ability to respond to other people in need.”

Assistant Chief Officer Stuart Stevens, director of service delivery for the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, said these attacks on firefighters were “completely unacceptable”.

“This type of behaviour not only prevents our crews from bringing any emergency to a safe and swift conclusion, but it can impact on our emergency service colleagues – including the police when they must escort us at the scene,” he said.