The UK Government is consulting on whether the loudest consumer fireworks should be removed from general sale and reserved for professional users, in a proposal intended to reduce distress to animals, vulnerable people and neighbourhoods.
The consultation, published by the Department for Business and Trade on July 16, 2026, does not ban fireworks and has not yet changed the law. Instead, it asks for views on several possible noise limits before ministers decide whether to bring regulations before Parliament.
From 120 decibels to 110—or lower
Consumer fireworks in categories F1, F2 and F3 can currently reach a maximum of 120 A-weighted impulse decibels at their prescribed safety distances. The Government’s preferred proposal would reduce that ceiling to 110 dB (A,imp), which it describes as cutting perceived loudness by approximately half.
The consultation also asks respondents to consider tougher limits of 100 dB or 90 dB. According to the document, a 100 dB limit would reduce perceived loudness by about three-quarters, while 90 dB would reduce it by about seven-eighths. No final limit has been selected.
Government estimates suggest that a 110 dB ceiling could affect roughly one-third of fireworks products currently available to consumers. Lower-noise products already exist, but ministers say their popularity and sales vary.
Why animals are central to the debate
The consultation cites Office for Product Safety and Standards polling from December 2025. Among people who disliked fireworks noise, 91% mentioned its effects on animals, 71% cited disruption to the peace and quiet of their community, and 68% cited its effects on vulnerable people.
Sudden explosions can startle pets, livestock and wildlife. The consultation notes that animals may experience distress and a flight response that can lead to injury or death. Dogs Trust told the Government that almost half of UK dogs are affected by fireworks, while Redwings Horse Sanctuary said loud bangs were the most significant risk reported in its survey of more than 5,000 horse owners.
People can also be affected. The Government highlighted concerns involving veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, autistic people and others with noise sensitivity, as well as residents dealing with fireworks set off unpredictably in residential areas.
Professional displays would continue
The proposal is aimed at the noisiest products sold for private consumer use—not every firework and not organised celebrations as a whole. Ministers say professional public displays could continue using loud effects because scheduled events are publicised and are less likely to take place illegally or at unsociable hours.
The Government is also considering updates to the list of prohibited pyrotechnic products and reviewing rules for lower-risk items. Any measures adopted would require parliamentary approval, and officials have proposed a six-month transition period after the law changes so businesses can adjust their stock.
A consultation, not a completed reform
The consultation was scheduled to close on October 7, 2026. Responses will be assessed before ministers decide which proposals, if any, should become law. That distinction matters: consumers have not yet been placed under a new 110, 100 or 90 dB limit.
The policy question is therefore about balance. People would still be able to celebrate with fireworks, while restricting the loudest products could make private displays less disruptive and reduce the risk of panic and injury among animals. Professional displays would remain available for communities that want larger effects in a planned setting.
Full details are available in the official UK Government consultation and the Department for Business and Trade’s July 16 announcement.
