Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Bill: equality impact assessment

Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation

X

The introduction of the proposed measures is likely to have a positive impact on young people, particularly young men, who are more likely to be harmed through fireworks and pyrotechnics.

The introduction of a new offence for being in possession of a pyrotechnic, including fireworks, at a qualifying event (or travelling to such an event) may have a positive impact on both young and older people who attend sporting and music events, however, it is recognised that the demographic for these events is generally people ranging from their late teens to their late 30's.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good relations among and between different age groups

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Eliminating unlawful discrimination, harassment and victimisation

X

The introduction of the proposed measures is likely to have a positive impact on those whose health and development means that they are more sensitive to loud bangs and flashes. This includes people with mental health conditions and/or neurodivergent conditions as the use of fireworks becomes more predictable enabling people to put mitigation measures in place. However there may be people with disabilities who may need support in understanding and engaging with the measures.

The smoke generated by pyrotechnics can be particularly troublesome for people suffering from health conditions relating to the respiratory system.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good relations among and between disabled and non-disabled people

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Eliminating unlawful discrimination

X

The introduction of the proposed measures is likely to have a positive impact on men, who are more likely to be harmed by fireworks.

The creation of an offence for a person, without reasonable excuse, to possess a pyrotechnic article while travelling to, in the immediate vicinity of, or attending a designated venue or event, or public procession, or public assembly is likely to have a positive impact on men and women attending such venues or events. Whoever is in the audience has the potential to be the indiscriminate victim of pyrotechnic misuse. However, it is recognised that the audiences at sporting events, such as football matches, are often largely male. Consultation responses from football campaign groups and some individuals indicate a perception or concern of disproportionate and targeted discrimination and criminalisation against football fans (and by extension, young, working-class men). We do not accept this criticism and believe the legislation will provide further protection for all attending – and working at - football matches, including those young men more at risk of harm from firework and pyrotechnics misuse. In communicating the impacts of the proposed legislation, the Scottish Government will aim to reassure those with concerns.

There are safeguards in place in relation to stop and search activity. All activity must be appropriate – that is, lawful, necessary and proportionate, with a Stop and Search Code of Practice followed. The Scottish Government believes that such checks and balances will ensure the rights of all – including those men attending football matches - are upheld.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good relations between men and women

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Eliminating unlawful discrimination

X

The introduction of the proposed measures is likely to have a positive impact and benefit to pregnant women as they may be more sensitive to loud bangs and flashes, as there should be a reduction in the noise associated with fireworks and pyrotechnics.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good relations

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Eliminating unlawful discrimination

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good relations

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic..

Eliminating unlawful discrimination

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good relations

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Eliminating unlawful discrimination

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good race relations

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Eliminating unlawful discrimination

X

The proposed measures are expected to have a neutral impact on this characteristic. It is recognised that fireworks are used in a variety of cultural celebrations, however the proposed measures will not disproportionately impact on the use of fireworks at those celebrations.

Advancing equality of opportunity

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Promoting good relations

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.

Eliminating unlawful discrimination

X

The proposed measures are not expected to impact on this characteristic.