Make safety a priority this Bonfire Night. In the run up to 5th November, Glasgow City Council (GCC), Scottish Fire and Rescue and Police Scotland are committed to keeping communities safe around 5th November. Similarly to last year, annual organised bonfire events across Glasgow have been cancelled. Unauthorised bonfires and firework displays have resulted in serious harm and injury in the past and are not encouraged within local communities.
Bonfires and the Law
- It is an offence under Section 56 of the Civic Government (Scotland) Act 1982 for any person to light a fire in a public place so as to endanger any other person or give them reasonable cause for alarm or annoyance or so as to endanger any property.
- It is illegal for anyone under 18 years of age to possess fireworks.
- Throwing fireworks or setting them off in a public place is illegal.
- You are not permitted to use fireworks between the hours of 11pm and 7am on any day except on 5th November when the curfew extends to midnight.
- It is an offence to cause unnecessary suffering to animals.
In previous years, Glasgow has suffered high levels of anti-social behaviour and disorder, criminal damage and attacks on Police Officers and emergency service colleagues during bonfire night activities. The extent of the disorder, carried out by a small number of irresponsible people, placed residents, members of the public and emergency services at significant risk of harm and injury. Policing of bonfire night will continue to be robust, and together we will take action where individuals attempt to prevent or disrupt the work of the emergency services. The safety of the local community and our frontline services remains paramount; any behaviour that places people or property at risk will not be tolerated and may lead to prosecution. You should be aware that your actions and those of members of your household may significantly impact on your tenancy.
How you can help keep your community safe
- Unless supervised by an adult, please do not allow your children or young people to handle, purchase or set off fireworks.
- Please report any disorder, ongoing bonfires or firework displays to Police Scotland on 101 or 999 in an emergency, Fire and Rescue (999) or Crimestoppers – 0800 555 111.
- Report any flytipping/ large objects that could form part of a bonfire to GCC for removal – 0141 287 9700, use the MyGlasgow App or visit https://glasgow.gov.uk
- Report any unauthorised fireworks sellers to Trading Standards at https://glasgow.gov.uk/, to Police Scotland on 101, https://www.scotland.police.uk/contact-us/ or Crimestoppers.
Put safety first: Stay Safe, Be Considerate, and Don’t Become a Nuisance. Follow COVID-19 restrictions and social distancing measures.