Post by Bean on Nov 7, 2004 17:23:22 GMT
I like a nice fireworks display as much as anyone, but I really don't like that anyone (especially kids) can get hold of them so easily. Aside from the noise nuisance when random ones go off round the clock, I also don't feel that people treat them with enough respect related to the damage they can cause to people, animals and property - they seem to be seen more like toys.
I know under 18s aren't supposed to be able to buy them, but with them on general sale at loads of shops, they can always find somewhere who will sell them to them, or someone to buy them on their behalf. And the police are supposed to have clamped down on the times they can be let off at, and be stricter on kids found setting them off. But I think this year has been the worst ever - they've been going off around here for the last month, and one display started at 1.30am! Even if you did call the police, it'd all be over by the time they got there, so I just don't think there's much they can do.
Luckily my pigs aren't too fussed by them, but having them go off all the time must be awful for the pets who are, and especially those kept outside. I just think it seems to get worse every year, and new firework shops always seem to be opening up on the high street so I just think they're going to become more and more like everyday amusement.
I think that you should have to get a license both to buy and let off fireworks. If you want to have a big display of your own, then fine, but you should have to have to apply for a license to enable you to buy them for a certain amount of time, and be responsible for all the ones you buy being let off safely and only at appropriate times. I think it'd really help cut down on the amount in general circulation in irresponsible hands. But people having parties and celebrations would still be able have their show, they'd just have to spend a few minutes longer sorting it out. Any shops caught breeching the law would get big fines or risk closure.
I know it wouldn't be perfect, but neither are restiction on booze and ciggies, and the current situation is certainly better than having 13 year olds able to walk in to pubs and have a pint and a cigar. And when less people are breaking the laws related to any object, it's easier to catch and crack down those who do.
Apparently the government believes that a complete ban on the sale fireworks to the public isn't appropriate. They think it'll lead to a black market developing, and encourage people to make their own. They also say it would be too difficult to enforce.
Anyone agree or disagree?
I know under 18s aren't supposed to be able to buy them, but with them on general sale at loads of shops, they can always find somewhere who will sell them to them, or someone to buy them on their behalf. And the police are supposed to have clamped down on the times they can be let off at, and be stricter on kids found setting them off. But I think this year has been the worst ever - they've been going off around here for the last month, and one display started at 1.30am! Even if you did call the police, it'd all be over by the time they got there, so I just don't think there's much they can do.
Luckily my pigs aren't too fussed by them, but having them go off all the time must be awful for the pets who are, and especially those kept outside. I just think it seems to get worse every year, and new firework shops always seem to be opening up on the high street so I just think they're going to become more and more like everyday amusement.
I think that you should have to get a license both to buy and let off fireworks. If you want to have a big display of your own, then fine, but you should have to have to apply for a license to enable you to buy them for a certain amount of time, and be responsible for all the ones you buy being let off safely and only at appropriate times. I think it'd really help cut down on the amount in general circulation in irresponsible hands. But people having parties and celebrations would still be able have their show, they'd just have to spend a few minutes longer sorting it out. Any shops caught breeching the law would get big fines or risk closure.
I know it wouldn't be perfect, but neither are restiction on booze and ciggies, and the current situation is certainly better than having 13 year olds able to walk in to pubs and have a pint and a cigar. And when less people are breaking the laws related to any object, it's easier to catch and crack down those who do.
Apparently the government believes that a complete ban on the sale fireworks to the public isn't appropriate. They think it'll lead to a black market developing, and encourage people to make their own. They also say it would be too difficult to enforce.
Anyone agree or disagree?