UUP leader Jon Burrows calls for ban on private fireworks sales in Northern Ireland
Inset: Ulster Unionist Party Leader, North Antrim MLA Jon Burrows
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Private sales of fireworks should be banned in Northern Ireland except in exceptional circumstances, with displays restricted to organised public events, Ulster Unionist Party leader Jon Burrows MLA has said.
The proposal follows another Halloween period in which the impact of fireworks on pets and their owners has come under scrutiny, with Mr Burrows arguing that unpredictable explosions over several days leave families unable to protect frightened animals.
He is calling for a comprehensive overhaul of fireworks legislation, including a move towards quieter displays and tougher penalties for those involved in the illegal supply, possession or use of fireworks.
Concerns over frightened pets and missing animals
Mr Burrows said the consequences of fireworks extend beyond temporary disturbance, pointing to reports of animals fleeing their homes, becoming lost or being killed on roads.
“The impact on pets is profound. In recent years, we have heard countless accounts of severe anxiety and trauma, dogs bolting in terror and going missing, and animals killed on our roads after fleeing fireworks.
“Owners can prepare for an advertised display at a fixed time. They cannot reasonably manage random explosions over days and nights, never knowing when the next bang will come. That is why I want to see a ban on the sale of fireworks to private individuals, with fireworks limited to organised public displays. Sales should only be allowed in exceptional circumstances, and even then they should be restricted to low-noise fireworks.”
Proposed restrictions on fireworks
Under the changes advocated by the UUP leader, fireworks would generally be confined to organised public displays rather than being available for private use.
His proposals include:
• Banning fireworks sales to private individuals, except in exceptional circumstances.
• Restricting fireworks to organised public displays.
• Moving towards low-noise fireworks to reduce disturbance.
• Limiting any exceptional private sales to low-noise fireworks.
• Introducing tougher penalties for illegal supply, possession and use.
The proposals would represent a significant tightening of Northern Ireland's existing fireworks controls, under which members of the public generally require a licence to purchase, possess and use fireworks, subject to certain exemptions.
Mr Burrows argues that organised displays would give pet owners greater certainty about when fireworks will be used, allowing them to make preparations rather than facing unexpected explosions throughout the Halloween period.
Assembly disagreement over proposed reforms
The UUP leader also criticised other Stormont parties over their response to an Assembly motion brought forward by his party calling for a comprehensive review of fireworks legislation.
“The Ulster Unionist Party brought an Assembly motion calling for a comprehensive review of fireworks laws. It is regrettable that Sinn Féin, Alliance and the DUP failed to support our motion as tabled.”
His criticism highlights political disagreement over the UUP's approach, although the statement does not establish why the other parties declined to support the motion in its original form.
Any substantial changes to the law would require further political consideration, with questions remaining over how exceptional sales would be defined, how organised displays would be regulated and how tougher restrictions would be enforced.
Calls for change beyond Halloween
Mr Burrows insisted that the distress caused by fireworks should not simply be accepted as an unavoidable part of seasonal celebrations.
“We need real reform. This distress should not be dismissed as just part of Halloween. People can still celebrate while we do more to protect animals and our communities. It is time for the law to change, and I will keep pushing for that.”
The proposals remain a political call for reform rather than an agreed change in legislation. For pet owners and communities affected by unpredictable fireworks, the question now is whether the parties at Stormont can agree on measures that reduce disturbance while allowing organised celebrations to continue.
