Stay safe, legal and considerate if you’re planning fireworks this Halloween
Date published:
If you’re planning to buy, possess or use fireworks this Halloween, it’s time to apply for a licence, says Justice Minister Naomi Long.
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
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