Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Bill: business and regulatory impact assessment

3. Rationale for Government Intervention

Fireworks

3.1 People should be, and feel, safe in their communities. This ambition is embedded through our National Performance Framework, and our Justice Vision for Scotland. The Action Plan supports the Scottish Government National Outcome of We live in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe and sets out a range of outcomes for fireworks to support this including:

• Organised displays provide the opportunity to bring communities together.
• Fireworks are used safely and handled with care.
• Fireworks do not cause harm, distress or serious injury.

3.2 Achieving a cultural shift in the relationship Scotland has with fireworks will take time and will require a concentrated package of action by various partners. This includes progressing legislation to implement changes, as well as actions such as partnership working within communities to improve awareness and understanding on the appropriate use of fireworks, to positively influence responsible behaviour, and to support communities to have greater control in how fireworks are used in their local area.

Pyrotechnic articles

3.3 The misuse of pyrotechnic articles can have a range of negative impacts, with the potential to be damaging and dangerous when not used for their intended purpose. We believe that a new offence of being in possession of a pyrotechnic article while travelling to, in the immediate vicinity of, or attending a designated venue or event, or while travelling to, participating in, or otherwise attending a public assembly without reasonable excuse or lawful authority, and a power to allow the police to stop and search a person they have reasonable grounds to suspect is committing that offence, would reduce the number of incidents currently being experienced and therefore minimise the risk of serious harm to individuals and communities.