This Council notes:
· Fireworks can be a source of significant problems, fear and distress for many animals. They can cause psychological distress and injuries as animals attempt to run away or hide from the noise.
· The noise generated by fireworks has been found to be the most common cause for fear responses in dogs. The loud and sudden noise can also be a trigger for PTSD-related symptoms in humans. The debris can also pose a hazard to other animals.
· The short-lived nature of firework noise can make it difficult for the police or local authority officers to pinpoint locations and take action.
· Fireworks can be a risk to public safety when lit in small garden spaces in which people of all ages including children can be injured and there is a risk to fire safety for private and public property.
· In October 2022, fireworks were let off into a large crowd of people at Stratford shopping centre. Over the years, there have been a number of incidents involving fireworks in Hackney including a two year old sustaining burns.
· Fireworks and sparklers are only permissible for purchase from registered sellers for private use on selected dates of the year including: 15th October to 10th November, between 26th to 31st December, 3 days before Diwali and 3 days before Chinese New Year. It is possible to purchase fireworks outside of the dates above but only from retailers with a specific licence.
· An estimated 200,000 sky lanterns are released every year in the UK. As the popularity of sky lanterns increases, so too does the risk to animals and the environment.
· Sky lanterns are a danger to animals, a fire risk, an aviation hazard and a litter nuisance. When ingested, sharp parts can cause internal bleeding in animals. Animals can become entangled in fallen lantern frames and suffer from injury or stress trying to free themselves, and sometimes starve to death from being trapped.
· In Wales, sky lantern releases are banned on council-owned land and property. In other countries, sky lantern release is considered environmentally irresponsible and classed as a crime. In England, although almost 200 councils have voluntarily banned sky lanterns on council-owned land, it remains legal to release paper lanterns.
Hackney Council therefore resolves:
· To require the advertisement of all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries well in advance of the event.
· To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people and measures to mitigate the risks. (As examples of possibilities: a public campaign of Rocket 'o'Clock having people fire them at the same time so the impact is shorter. It could even be a campaign on sharing food rather than sharing fireworks (The council may have other ideas and is not expected to use these examples if a better resolution is found)
· To encourage local firework suppliers to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks (less than 70 dB) for public and private display.
· To only use ‘quieter’ fireworks (less than 70 dB) in all council funded firework displays.
· To not issue special licences to retailers that allow them to sell fireworks outside the following dates: 15th October to 10th November, between 26th to 31st December, 3 days before Diwali and 3 days before Chinese New Year.
· To ban the release of sky lanterns on Hackney Council owned land and discourage their release anywhere in Hackney.
Hackney Council further resolves to write to the UK Government and urge it:
· To introduce legislation to limit the maximum noise level of fireworks to 70dB for those sold to the public for private display.
· To ban the release of sky lanterns on public and private land, in line with the Civil Aviation Authority to ensure public safety around airports.
Proposer: Cllr. Zoë Garbett
Seconder: Cllr. Alastair Binnie-Lubbock
Decision:
RESOLVED:
To note:
· That this Council abhors the misuse of fireworks that can cause distress and harm to persons, domestic pets and wildlife.
· That the Council’s CCTV team and Enforcement Officers continue to monitor the illegal setting off of fireworks in public spaces and report them to the Metropolitan Police, who have the authority to act on the information provided to prosecute individuals who misuse fireworks in public spaces.
· The Council notes that the current legislation allows a retailer to apply for an all year licence to trade in fireworks and sparklers. Otherwise, fireworks and sparklers are only permissible for purchase from registered sellers for private use on selected dates of the year from the 15th October to 10th November, between 26th to 31st December, 3 days before Diwali and 3 days before Chinese New Year.
· In Hackney, no all year licences have been issued for the sale of fireworks outside of the dates above.
· The Council notes that under current legislation, a local authority can only refuse to grant a licence, including an all year licence, if the applicant has previously committed offences under related pieces of legislation.
· The Council notes that Hackney Trading Standards apply the powers that current national legislation enables them to enforce. In addition, the team also carry out on-site inspections to ensure fireworks are stored safely and are being sold in line with the law.
· Hackney Trading Standards Officers work with the Metropolitan Police to tackle the illegal sale of fireworks to under 18s and advisory visits are made to retailers prior to the fireworks season to ensure that they are fully aware of the law.
· Hackney Council already uses quieter fireworks for council-run fireworks displays to ensure minimum disturbance to local wildlife and domestic pets.
· There is no evidence that in Hackney there is an overuse or misuse of sky lanterns.
· The Council notes that there is a lack of national legislation enabling the Council to control the use of sky lanterns on public or private land. However, Hackney Council uses its available powers around littering and refusing permission for formal public events which plan to release sky lanterns.
Hackney Council therefore resolves:
· To continue to ensure that residents are notified by the Council in advance of all public firework displays within the Local Authority’s boundaries.
· To continue to promote alongside the London Fire Brigade, a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on environmental pollution, animal welfare, vulnerable residents and the measures to mitigate the risks of injury and stress from the use of fireworks on residents, domestic pets and wildlife.
· To advise local firework suppliers to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks and fireworks for safe use in small outdoor spaces for private domestic use.
· To encourage the use of sky lantern alternatives, as advised by the RSPCA.
· That the Mayor and Cabinet member write to the Secretary of State about the need to enhance the legislation that enables the Council to enforce the safe use of fireworks and sky lanterns.
Proposer: Cllr Susan Fajana-Thomas
Seconder: Cllr Ian Rathbone