Fireworks spark debate… again

Sunday 14 November 2021

Fireworks are sparking debate yet again in Jersey – with a new petition calling for the general public to be banned from buying them.

The idea’s proposer, Jason Norris, argues: “A few organised displays held away from populated areas should be enough in this day and age.

“Cigarettes, alcohol and guns... all of these would be banned immediately if newly introduced to society. 

“Guy Fawkes was a tragic figure and to continue to celebrate his torture and death seems barbaric.

“We should also be thinking of the many pets and wild animals that must think that the world is ending every year.”

It has so far secured around 200 backers since being posted earlier this week.

His is the eighth petition since the island’s epetitions site launched to tackle the theme. 

Pictured: All the petitions on the theme in recent years.

Two managed to achieve more than 1,000 signatures, meaning they received a Ministerial response. 

A May 2019 petition calling for fireworks to only be sold or supplied in Jersey for licensed displays was met with a response from the then-Home Affairs Minister Constable Len Norman that “is intended to bring forward Regulations which would require public firework displays to be licenced by the relevant Connétable.” 

In December 2020, the Minister replied to calls to ban any fireworks for sale unless they are “low noise” by saying he was “unable to support this petition”, but reassured that “new fireworks Regulations [would] be brought in due course seeking to achieve a balanced approach to regulating the use of the noisiest fireworks.”

Four similar petitions were created by islanders, but rejected due to the pre-existing ones. 

On the other hand, one petition asking for people to be able to “freely buy fireworks during November” to “stop the killjoys from ruining November” only secured 160 signatures.  

The use of fireworks in Jersey also provoked social media debate, with large-scale Bonfire Night displays returning for the first time after the pandemic.

Some islanders raised concerns about neighbours and nearby residents not warning them about private displays in advance – something which can cause distress for animals.

Official Government advice for personal firework displays is as follows: 

• “You should take precautions to protect your pets. Keep them indoors – most animals get very scared by the lights and noise from fireworks.

• Make your preparations in advance and in daylight; even if you are really familiar with the area you intend to use, make sure you make an inspection of it.
• Only one person should be responsible for letting off fireworks; if that’s you, then make sure you take all the necessary precautions.
• Don’t drink alcohol if you are setting off fireworks.
• Light fireworks at arm’s length, using a taper.
• Make sure everyone stands well back.
• Never go back to fireworks that have been lit, even if they haven’t gone off - they could still explode suddenly.”

More information can be found HERE.