Douglas Council has written to the government to seek a review of current legislation that allows the private sale of fireworks to individuals.

The agenda for this week’s council meeting revealed that the council has decided to have its chief executive write to the government to seek the banning of fireworks to individuals.

It said: ’Discussion also took place with regard to the sale of fireworks to the general public, it being suggested that fireworks should only be available for use at officially-organised events.

’It was therefore requested that an approach be made to the Isle of Man Government seeking a review of current legislation that allowed the sale of fireworks to individuals.’

Fireworks can only be sold to private individuals who are over the age of 18 from shops during the period beginning on October 25 and ending on November 5 for Bonfire Night; and the period beginning December 26 and ending on December 31 for New Year celebrations.

Fireworks can only be discharged without notification to the fire and rescue service from 12.01am on the Friday which falls at least two clear days before November 5 and ending at 00.01am on the Monday following November 5.

Review

And for New Year, fireworks can only be let off from 12.01am on December 28 and ending at 12.01am on the Monday following January 1.

At any other time of year, residents who are planning a display have to contact the fire and rescue service ’no later than 10 days before the fireworks are to be discharged’.

The local authority had been discussing the release of balloons and Chinese lanterns from council-owned land and how to reduce their use.

Both practices are already banned on government-owned land.

While councillors agreed the release of balloons and lanterns should be discouraged ’it was not considered proportionate to put legal measures in place’.