Noise Nuisance from Fireworks
Fireworks can cause real problems for residents, pets and wildlife, and each year Sandwell Council receives complaints about firework noise.
By law, fireworks must not be set off during night hours (between 11.00pm and 7.00am), except on:
- 5 November (Bonfire Night) – until Midnight
- New Year’s Eve – until 1.00am the following day
- Diwali – until 1.00am the following day
- Chinese New Year – until 1.00am the following day
These times are set by legislation and apply across all of England. The times are not specific to Sandwell, nor are they set by Sandwell MBC.
Anyone breaking these rules can face:
- A fine of up to £5,000 or up to 6 months in prison
- A £90 on-the-spot fine from the Police
These rules are there to protect residents, pets and wildlife from the impact of late-night fireworks.
Please note: firework noise from occasional and annual events such as Bonfire Night, Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year is not considered a statutory noise nuisance, provided it takes place within the permitted times. These are recognised, one-off celebrations and are not normally investigated by Environmental Health as statutory nuisance cases.