E&I is taking advice on silent fireworks option
SILENT fireworks are on the agenda of the Environment & Infrastructure Committee.
E&I recently asked officials for advice on the issue and it will also be discussed when E&I president Lindsay de Sausmarez meets animal welfare campaigners later this month.
But Deputy de Sausmarez said that ‘no official decisions have been made on this matter’ and warned that legislating to permit only silent fireworks ‘would be quite a significant piece of work to undertake’.
She was replying to Rule 14 written questions asked by Lester Queripel.
‘Fireworks are unlikely to constitute a statutory nuisance, so if legislation is prioritised it is most likely to be addressed from an animal welfare point of view,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.
‘The committee continues to listen to advice from officials and animal welfare charities.
‘The president is due to meet with the States vet, director of environmental health and pollution regulation, and representatives from the Paws Protection Project, a dedicated project promoting animal welfare and education, at the end of December 2024.
‘This discussion will include the use of silent fireworks.’
The GSPCA has promoted the use of silent fireworks, which use a reduced amount of flash powder, which manufacturers say can still provide magnificent display without the harsh bangs associated with traditional fireworks.
E&I recently received a verbal briefing from the director of environmental health and pollution regulation, Tobin Cook, after advice was sought from the Health & Safety Executive.
The committee said it wanted to make sure it was taking an informed position on the matter, but also tempered expectations that it could be about to adopt or propose changes to ban the use of noisy fireworks.
‘While E&I is mindful of and sympathetic to concerns in the community, and while officials continue to monitor developments in firework technology, the committee is also mindful of the need to focus its finite resources first and foremost on the States’ agreed priorities, which do not currently include changes to fireworks legislation,’ said Deputy de Sausmarez.
In recent years, retailers have been permitted to sell fireworks only on specified dates a few days before Bonfire Night.
The States provides extensive guidance to anyone organising a public fireworks display or letting them off at home.
Although legal controls are limited, the sale of fireworks to persons under 20 years of age is prohibited.
