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The West Midlands Police and Sandwell Council operate a zero-tolerance policy regarding firework misuse and illegal bonfires in Tipton. As the autumn celebration season begins, local policing teams are conducting targeted plain-clothed and high-visibility patrols across anti-social behaviour (ASB) hotspots, such as Victoria Park. Breaking firework laws carries severe legal consequences, including on-the-spot £90 police fines, unlimited court fines, or up to 6 months in prison. 1. Sandwell's Public Space Firework Ban Following strict local legislation, firework displays are completely prohibited on all council-owned land, parks, and public spaces across Tipton and Sandwell. Zero Public Use: You cannot set off fireworks in streets, pavements, or public parks (including Jubilee Park and Victoria Park). Doing so is a criminal offence.Low-Noise Initiative: For private garden displays, authorities strongly urge residents to choose low-noise or quiet fireworks to protect neighbours, the elderly, neurodivergent residents, and local pets.2. Strict Curfew Times It is illegal to set off fireworks in the UK between 11:00 PM and 7:00 AM. There are only four specific exceptions to this curfew throughout the season: Bonfire Night (5th November): Allowed until Midnight.Diwali: Allowed until 1:00 AM the following morning.New Year’s Eve: Allowed until 1:00 AM the following morning.Chinese New Year: Allowed until 1:00 AM the following morning.3. Age & Purchase Restrictions Under-18 Possession: It is a criminal offence for anyone under the age of 18 to possess "adult fireworks" (Categories 2 and 3) in a public place. Police will confiscate them immediately and fine the youth or their parents.Licenced Retailers Only: Only purchase fireworks from reputable, licenced suppliers. Unlicenced fireworks bought online or from unregistered sellers are highly dangerous, illegal, and lack required UKCA/CE safety marks.4. The Firework Code for Private Gardens If you are hosting a small, legal display on your own private property, the West Midlands Police Firework Code outlines essential safety mandates: One at a Time: Keep fireworks in a closed box, removing only one at a time. Light them at arm's length using a taper.Never Return: Never re-approach a firework once it has been lit, even if it hasn't gone off or appears to be a "dud".Sparkler Safety: Wear gloves when handling sparklers; light them one at a time and never give them to a child under 5 years old.Disposal: Never throw spent or used fireworks onto a bonfire. Soak used fireworks in a bucket of water overnight before throwing them in your standard household bin.How to Report Misuse in Tipton Emergency (Active Danger): If youth are throwing fireworks at people, property, or vehicles, or if an illegal bonfire has grown out of control, call 999 immediately.Non-Emergency (Curfew Violations / Nuisance): To report persistent firework noise outside of legal hours, or to report under-18s holding fireworks, use the West Midlands Police Live Chat Portal or call 101.Illegal Sales: If you suspect a local Tipton shop is selling fireworks to children or operating without a licence, report them directly to Sandwell Trading Standards.
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