Act covers fireworks in rural areas

However, we are at a loss to understand why the minister would state, “...although fireworks are banned in most urban areas, unless permission is sought and obtained at least 48 hours prior from the police, the law is silent on its use in most rural areas.” The Summary Offences Act, Chapter 11:02, Section 100, states, “Any person who throws, casts, sets fire to, or lets off any fireworks into, in or upon any street not being in any town, or into, in or upon any place being within 60 feet of the centre of any such street, is liable to a fine of $400.” This clearly covers rural areas, as Section 99 (a) defines the penalty for setting off fireworks without permission, within the boundaries of the towns, boroughs and cities listed in Section 99 (b) “and within two miles of their borders.” We recognise the difficulties faced by the police seeking to crack down on the illegal use of fireworks and scratch bombs. However, it would surely be better to confiscate stocks of scratch bombs and illegal fireworks from those selling the items than to try to catch individuals using them.

At this time of year, numerous stalls spring up selling fireworks, but few (if any) display a board outside their “premises” declaring they are licensed retailers, as required under the Explosives Act.

We commend the minister for the steps he is taking regarding scratch bombs. His next step, we hope, will be towards restricting the use of other fireworks, which threaten the health and safety of the population, particularly older people and, of course, animals.

Patricia A Green vice-chairman The Animal Welfare Network