Fireworks: Can we prevent violence around Halloween and Bonfire Night?

The riots and criminal damage that blighted Halloween and Guy Fawkes Night 2022 led to questions about how Scotland organises, legislates and even simply tolerates what are meant to be fun nights for everybody.

The problem of violence and criminal damage associated with Halloween and Bonfire Night celebrations in Scotland. Despite a slight drop in reported fireworks offenses from 2021 to 2022, last year's celebrations saw significant violence, including attacks on emergency service workers. Incidents involved youths rioting, setting up bonfires in streets, throwing fireworks, and causing injuries to police officers.

In response, Scotland has introduced the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill, which limits fireworks sales to certain times of the year and creates a licensing scheme. It is now illegal to give fireworks to children, with penalties including fines and imprisonment.

Police Scotland's Operation Moonbeam aims to protect the public during these celebrations by deploying officers with additional powers under the new law. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) links attacks on emergency crews to funding cuts and the scaling back of education and community outreach programs.

Public events for fireworks are being canceled due to funding pressures, raising concerns that this may lead to more private events that are harder to police. The government emphasizes its continued effort to engage in educational programs and robust law enforcement to curb the misuse of fireworks and ensure public safety.