The Fireworks Regulations 2004 prohibit the use of fireworks at night, between the hours of 11pm-7am. However, the regulations do permit extensions to these hours during the following festivals:
- Until 1am following the first day of Chinese New Year
- Until midnight on 5 November
- Until 1am on the day following Diwali day
- Until 1am on the day following 31 December
The regulations are enforced by the police and it is an offence for persons to use fireworks outside of the permitted hours. Persons found guilty of an offence are liable to a maximum penalty of up to £5000 or 6 months in prison for breach of the curfew.
The regulations also prohibit the supply of fireworks louder than 120db, prohibit anyone under the age of 18 from possessing fireworks and, anyone except professionals from possessing display fireworks.
The noise team will investigate noise nuisance caused by fireworks under the Environmental Protection Act 1990, but this can be difficult as noise from fireworks can be short lived. If you are disturbed by regular ongoing firework noise, an officer will visit you to assess the level of nuisance from within your home. See how to contact the duty noise officer.
The licensing team are the service responsible for the registration and licensing of businesses in Waltham Forest for the storage of explosives and fireworks.
Since regulations have come into force, premises that hold a valid registration or a licence are automatically permitted to sell fireworks during the following set periods throughout the year:
- 15 October to 10 November
- 26 December to 31 December
- On the 1st day of the Chinese New Year and the 3 days immediately preceding it
- On the day of Diwali and the 3 days immediately preceding it
Premises wishing to sell fireworks outside of these periods would require an additional fireworks licence enabling them to do so.
