Should the laws on sales of fireworks be tightened?

By Scott Marley on Oct 29, 09 11:27 AM in

Next week marks the annual date we always remember - the 5th of November.

In recent years, it has become known more for rogue fireworks being set off by youths and photos of horrific injuries to people and pets as a warning to play it safe.

But should shops be stopped from selling fireworks and leave the colourful explosions to organised events such as the annual public display on Glasgow Green? David Andrew, 49, a joiner from Partick, said: "I just think organised fireworks events are safer. I go to them myself, usually.

"Fireworks are too dangerous to be sold to the public. Too many children are getting their hands on them.

"And they're better when organised anyway."

Steven Hunter, 34, an engineer in Partick, said: "People should still be able to buy fireworks in shops. Half the people are using them responsibly. I do go to the public ones but if I had a bigger family I would do my own.

"But I would still take them to the one on Glasgow Green."

Steven Graham, 39, a vintage furniture dealer from Hyndland, said: "I think shops should only sell to people over 21 years old. They should still be available to the public.

"I like the little private displays - they are more fun." Catherine McGlone, 45, a bookkeeper from Knightswood, said: "The public ones are okay.

"I don't go myself but when I was younger I did. I don't mind fireworks. I might set off sparklers and would buy them on bonfire night.

"But I think people should stick to organised events where professionals are setting fireworks off."

Michelle Craig, a 35-year-old actress living in the Merchant City, said: "It's a tradition to sell in shops. But they need to make it stricter on who shops sell to.

"It should be to those over 21. The rules should be more enforced by shopkeepers.

Sometimes I go to the one on Glasgow Green - I generally let other people set them off."

Ann McCabe, 59, a school secretary in Knightswood, praised public firework displays such as the one at Drumchapel.

She said: "I'm all for organised events, but I don't mind if parents are buying them for the back door.

"But it's out of hand now. They should raise the age limit in shops for buying fireworks. Too many young people are getting them. They are very dangerous.

"But my son is 37 and my daughter is 33 and we still love to go see the fireworks."