How long before we get a government that decides selling explosives to the general public is a bad idea?

[ChristinaParsons]

That’s it really. Pissed off with the 3 weeks of fireworks that have been going on around me. Ask 100 people who bought fireworks what they were celebrating, you would be lucky to get one who had the correct answer

OP
Parliament rejected it last year sadly.

I do have a certain amount of sympathy with the people who want organised displays only and although am more than happy to let a few fireworks off (and did so in the garden last night) I wouldn't be upset or anything if they banned sale to public. There are lots of injuries but don't know how it compares to cars etc these stats are always a bit lackign in context and human risk judgement is notoriously appalling.

Anyway.

OP said no-one knows what they're doing fireworks for around 5 November, I think this is cobblers. It's a genuine tradition, with a decent backstory, and a song, and gets retold all the time eg was in Dr Who, various dramatisations, to claim british public don't know why we have bonfire night is a bit weird tbh

My friend died falling down her stairs, no one is going to ban stairs are they

And how many people died from cigarette or alcohol related illnesses last year? Or drink driving, or just general drunken stupidity. Yet we don't ban those.

Yabu.

I went to an organised display. One lot of fireworks fell over and fired into the crowd who scattered sharpish.

As an adult you judge the risk whether that's whether you buy your own or go to a display.

Thankfully I've only heard of minor injuries and the organisers included the local fire station people. Accidents happen.

We don’t ban things that have risk

Guns - banned
Carrying a knife - banned
Driving drunk - banned
Carrying pepperspray - banned
Driving and using your mobile - banned
Smoking in enclosed public spaces - banned

We do ban plenty of things that have a risk of hurting others.
Fireworks are the only crazy exemption really.

I think they should only be used for organised displays.

Why should your perceived right to "fun" take precedence over a) other people's bodily safety (the statistic about blindness is awful); b) other people's (including the elderly, sick, PTSD-suffering, small children's, etc.) need for peace and quiet, which are necessary for mental and physical health?

Too much irresponsible behaviour and brainless shite is excused in the name of "harmless fun". This is not harmless. Nor is it fun, for anyone but you. (Generic "you," denoting selfish back-garden firework-user.)

You’re right Brazen

We don’t ban ALL things that have risk

Just some of them (you’re allowed guns btw)

Cars really really hurt others

And not just when you knock people over

But when you burn fuel too

I’m going to keep on until all the joy sappers win 55 years without an injury to anyone so far.
I wouldn’t mind if they imposed a limit on the size/power some of the stuff you can get now is just silly. 14 people were injured at an organised display last night so that clearly doesn’t reduce risk to zero as the killjoys want.

Absolutely agree with you, OP. Should be organised events only - people can have fun at those. Too many idiots around to be sold to the general public. And, yes, poor dogs, and other animals too, but as long as the selfish people get to have their fun, right... Anyhow, I'm with you... I'd ban them for general sale.

i dont use candles. i use those round lights that you press. I have plenty in the flat in case of a power cut. When our housing officer visited after Grenfell she said she wished everyone would have them.

Cant help wondering what she would think of the tenant whose firework casing bounced off the side of my flat earlier.

I read yesterday that a 50 odd yr old man is fighting for his life after youths put lit fireworks through his letterbox.

I agree. Public/organised/licences only.

The poor mner thats lot 2 foals to some arsehole setting off fireworks and terrifying the mares.

I would support the untrained public having access to bombs/explosives myself. Regardless of how much "fun" it is

I think it’s mad to say it’s ok to sell explosives to the general public.

I think it’s probably those of you that live in nice area that’s think it is just fun as decent people set a few off in their back gardens.

Like most things the stupid spoil it, people and pets get hurt and terrorised with them (the post on here alone about the horses loosing their goals is heart breaking).

Any one who works for the emergency services during this time would support organised and controlled fire works displays - it’s a nightmare and a shift you look forward to be done

Or as a pp said reduced power if the fireworks that are sold.

Totally agree with you OP..
Organised displays....fine
Public...not fine

We've had over a week of ridiculously loud banging fireworks, DDog is a gibbering wreck.

Schmoo thats in my link at the top of this page.

I hope I am dead before the killjoys win.

I'm sure people who's animals have died due to fireworks feel like killjoys.

FFS. fireworks are not part of Diwali. So what are you celebrating on bonfire night

Think you will find you are wrong about Diwali.

On Diwali, a Hindu festival of lights, people illuminate candles, lamps and fireworks to celebrate the triumph of good over evil

Just saw that, Helenadove, thanks. Absolutely dreadful, isn't it? :(

Also, agree with the PP who said those in support of fireworks for sale to the general public are those who live in nice areas where people set off a few in their back gardens.

I can't help but think of all the terrified animals tonight, the dogs that will bolt and get lost, the wildlife etc :(