Author: Sarah Groom

Health and Safety Update

Final arrangements are being made for the online Health and Safety Update on Wednesday 6 September. The agenda and booking form will shortly be available on the website.
 
Professional Examinations

Plans are fully underway for the next diet of professional interviews, which will be at the Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline on 26 – 28 September 2023.
 
REHIS Course Presenters Seminar

Save the date for the annual Presenters Seminar which is being held as an ‘in person’ event on Wednesday 11 October 2023 (all day) at the Dewars Centre in Perth. The programme and booking form will be available soon.
 
Annual General Meeting

This year’s AGM will be held on Friday 17 November as a hybrid meeting. Any members interested in being elected to the Institute’s Council (our governing body) are encouraged to discuss their interest with an existing member of the Council or with Jackie McCabe, Chief Executive. Nomination papers will be circulated to all members in due course. The free to members Environmental Health update event will take place on the morning of the same day and full details will be available nearer the time.
 
Director of Professional Development – Job Vacancy

The Institute is looking to recruit a Director of Professional Development. For more information, please refer to the website Director of Professional Development – REHIS

Public Health Scotland (PHS) has today published the final report on the independent evaluation of the impact of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol in Scotland. Evidence shows that MUP has had a positive impact on health outcomes, including addressing alcohol-related health inequalities. It has reduced deaths directly caused by alcohol consumption by an estimated 13.4% and hospital admissions by 4.1%, with the largest reductions seen in men and those living in the 40% most deprived areas.

MUP led to a 3% reduction in alcohol consumption at a population level, as measured by retail sales. The reduction was particularly driven by sales of cider and spirits through the off-trade (supermarkets and shops) products that increased the most in price. Evidence from a range of data sources shows that the greatest reductions were amongst those households purchasing the most alcohol, with little impact on households purchasing at lower levels.

For those people with alcohol dependence there was limited evidence of any reduction in consumption and there is some evidence of consequences for those with established alcohol dependence on low incomes, that led them to prioritise spending on alcohol over food. At a population level there is no clear evidence of substantial negative impacts on social harms such as alcohol-related crime or illicit drug use.

The evaluation report shows that while the impact on alcoholic drink producers and retailers varied depending on the mix of products made or sold, there is no clear evidence of substantial negative impacts on the alcoholic drinks industry in Scotland as a whole.

Clare Beeston, Lead for the evaluation of MUP, Public Health Scotland said:

“We have seen reductions in deaths and hospital admissions directly caused by sustained, high levels of alcohol consumption, and this is further evidence that those drinking at harmful and hazardous levels have reduced their consumption. MUP alone is not enough to address the specific and complex needs of those with alcohol dependence who will often prioritise alcohol over other needs, and it is important to continue to provide services and any wider support that addresses the root cause of their dependence.

“Those living in the most socioeconomically deprived areas in Scotland experience alcohol-specific death rates at least five times greater than those living in the least deprived areas. Alcohol-related disorders are a leading contributor to health inequalities in Scotland.

“Overall, the evidence shows that MUP has had a positive impact on improving health outcomes, including alcohol-related health inequalities, and can play a part in addressing the preventable harm that affect far too many people, families and communities.”

Dr Nick Phin, Director of Public Health Science, Public Health Scotland said:

“Public Health Scotland is committed to evidence-informed policy, and we are confident in the validity of the robust research published today. The evidence in our report is consistent with earlier research on minimum pricing elsewhere.

“Public Health Scotland is confident that MUP is an effective mechanism to reduce alcohol-related harm in Scotland and we support the continuation of MUP beyond April 2024.”

View the ‘Evaluating the impact of Minimum Unit Pricing for alcohol in Scotland’ report

Food and Drink Federation (FDF) Scotland – in partnership with Food Standards Scotland (FSS) – has provided funding to 13 well-known Scottish bakery businesses across the country to help them make their products healthier.

Much-loved brands Aulds Delicious Desserts, Cobbs Bakery, Dean’s of Huntly, Stoats and Stockan’s Oatcakes have been awarded funding. While a whole host of popular high street bakers – the Bread Guy, Cuckoo’s Bakery, Fisher & Donaldson, George Marchbank Bakers, the Hame Bakery and Three Sisters Bake – have received support. Specialist cake maker Northern Lights Cakery and the Bread for Good Community Benefit Society have also received funding.

FDF Scotland will support these food businesses with projects that will help improve the nutritional content of a variety of savoury and sweet bakery products including oatcakes, bread, cakes, desserts and biscuits. Some projects will help reduce calories, fat and sugar content while others will enrich products with fibre or fruit and veg.

The businesses are based in wide range of communities across Glasgow, the Highlands and Islands, Lothians, Mid Scotland and Fife, North East Scotland, South of Scotland, and West of Scotland – maximising support to improve dietary health.  

The Healthier Bakery Fund has provided successful applicants with funds from £1,000 to £5,000 to be used for a wide range of activities. This includes accessing nutritional testing and technical support, working with ingredient suppliers to access and trial new innovative solutions that can improve the health of products to developing new marketing and promotional materials.

Joanne Burns, FDF Scotland’s Reformulation for Health Manager, said:

“I am delighted to award funding to a wide range of popular bakery producers in communities right across Scotland. We had so many great applications – which gave the judges a tough time in picking the projects to fund.

“I can’t wait to start working on these interesting projects – together we will be helping to make some of Scotland’s favourite bakery products healthier.”

Lesley Curtis, Public Health Nutrition Advisor at FSS, said:

“Evidence shows reformulation, for example by reducing portion size or calories, is one of the most effective ways industry can help improve dietary health in Scotland.

“FSS is pleased to be supporting the Scottish bakery sector engage in reformulating their products, which can lead to a positive change to public health.”

The full ‘baker’s dozen’ of Scottish bakery businesses that have received funding from the Healthier Bakery Fund:

During September last year, 1,520 people over the age of 16 in Scotland were questioned about a variety of issues relating to air quality: awareness of air pollution; understanding of the impacts of it; level of concern about it; perceptions of the role that individuals and organisations can play in tackling poor air quality; and perceptions of ultra-low emissions vehicles and public transport in Scotland.

68% of the Scottish public said they understood the health impacts of air pollution, a smaller figure than the 89% who understood the impact of smoking, alcohol (88%) and obesity (86%).

When forced to choose the single greatest cause of air pollution, 56% blamed transport/traffic, 14% energy generation, 13% industry, with just 2% naming domestic wood and coal burning. 

The respondents were presented with a list of ten environmental issues and asked to rank them by their level of concern. Litter and plastics, closely followed by ocean pollution were of the most concern with air pollution 7th.

Concern about local air pollution is greater among younger Scots, with 52% of those aged 16-24 saying they are concerned compared to just 31% of those aged 65 and over. The levels of concern  are also much greater in urban areas (54%) than rural ones (20%). 

In terms of the individual’s contribution to improving air quality, 33% believed they could not alter their daily activities to make any positive difference.

When asked who should be responsible for improving air quality in Scotland, 60% said the Scottish Government, 47% said the UK Government, 46% said local authorities and only 17% thought individual members of the public should take responsibility.

When asked to name some actions that could improve air quality 32% said cycling or walking instead of driving but only 15% had actually done so for that reason.

Questioned about barriers to various positive actions, the greatest (59%) was the cost of switching to less polluting vehicle. 49% cited inconvenience as the reason for not cycling or waking more while ‘hard habit to break’ was the reason 44% or respondents continued to idle their car. 

In terms of transport, 33% have never thought about buying an ultra low emission vehicle,  while another 23% had thought about it but decided not to – 66% because of cost, 11% because of charging and 10% because of range.

View the full report here

Fines for flytipping will be more than doubled as part of a range of new measures to prevent litter and flytipping and support Scotland’s circular economy.

A new six-year National Litter and Flytipping Strategy sets out how national and local government, business, third sector, communities and individuals can work together to drive behaviour change, improve infrastructure and strengthen enforcement.

Also published is an action plan detailing specific actions and interventions to be progressed by the Scottish Government and its partners and agencies in the first year.

Key measures include:

• Fines for flytipping to be more than doubled to £500
• Introduction of new powers to impose a fine on the registered keeper of a vehicle from which a littering offence is committed
• A new national online litter hub to provide information, advice and support to community groups and other relevant local organisations on tackling litter and littering behaviour
• Dedicated support for private landowners, including funding for trials, to help deter and deal with flytipping affecting their land
• Increased action to detect and disrupt flytippers, especially unregistered waste carriers advertising online, such as proactive engagement with online platforms and dedicated SEPA activity to tackle rogue operators

The Circular Economy Bill will also establish the legislative framework to support Scotland’s transition to a zero waste and circular economy, significantly increase reuse and recycling rates, and modernise and improve waste and recycling services.

The Bill includes specific provisions in respect of litter and flytipping: a new penalty regime to address littering from vehicles, powers to seize vehicles involved in specified waste crime, and strengthening household duty of care responsibilities in relation to household waste in order to help prevent flytipping.

Minister for Green Skills, Circular Economy and Biodiversity, Lorna Slater, said:

“Scotland is a beautiful country and we all have a responsibility to keep it that way. This Government makes no apologies for taking bold action on tackling litter and flytipping, which is a blight on our streets, communities and countryside, as well as threatening our natural environment and wildlife.

“This strategy will drive further change in behaviours and the delivery of services. Enforcement is a key theme, and the strategy sets out robust commitments, including raising fixed penalty notices for flytipping to £500 and considering increasing fines further if required.

“It is part of a wider package of measures to tackle Scotland’s throwaway culture, including becoming the first nation in the UK to ban some of the most problematic single-use plastics, a commitment to introduce a charge on single-use cups, the introduction of a Deposit Return Scheme, and reform of extended producer responsibility for packaging.”

The Strategy has been developed in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Scottish Environment Protection Agency following engagement with other key partners and stakeholders, including local authorities and landowners, and has been informed by responses to consultations.

Statutory licensing for businesses such as dog walkers, canine fertility services and dog groomers is being considered to improve animal welfare standards.

The Scottish Government is seeking views on a proposed licensing scheme, which aims to ensure consistency in standards across the animal care services sector. Regulations would apply to:

• dog walking businesses
• dog grooming services
• canine fertility services
• pet accommodation services
• riding establishments and businesses involved in other equine activities.

The proposals also set out proposals to licence greyhound racing in Scotland and revoke existing licensing legislation covering riding establishments and animal boarding, licensing these activities instead under the animal licensing framework introduced in September 2021.

Scotland’s Local Authorities will be responsible for enforcing the measures included in the consultation.

You can find the consultation here: Licensing of activities involving animals – Scottish Government – Citizen Space (consult.gov.scot). The consultation opened on 4 July and runs for 12 weeks and close on 26 September.

The Scottish Government will carefully consider all responses to the consultation, alongside any recommendations made by the RAI Committee and the Scottish Animal Welfare Commission in respect to the regulation of greyhound racing in Scotland.

Environment Minister Gillian Martin said:

“Scotland is a nation of pet lovers. Fortunately, the majority of people working in the animal care sector are incredibly passionate about caring for animals and already operate to high standards of animal welfare. But sadly there are still some businesses which fall short when it comes to putting animal welfare first.

“With greater regulation of the sector, we can give more confidence to people that are interacting and buying services from animal care service providers that these businesses are operating to the highest possible welfare standards.

“However, we must also strike a balance with any proposed regulation – to ensure those already operating to a high standard aren’t unduly affected. That is why we are consulting and I encourage organisations, businesses and the public to make their views known.”

Helene Mauchlen, National Manager for Scotland at The British Horse Society said:

“The British Horse Society and World Horse Welfare warmly welcomes this consultation, which is an opportunity for Scotland to demonstrate its commitment to animal welfare and a thriving equine sector. Riding establishments are vital to Scotland’s horse world, but regulations around their licencing need a refresh. 

“Meanwhile, the livery yards where so many people keep their horses are not regulated at all. This consultation is an opportunity to change this and give horse riders and owners the peace of mind that the welfare of horses at these establishments will be protected.”

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said:

“At the moment, there are many animal-related vocations that are completely unregulated. We have sadly encountered cases where suffering has been caused in these industries due to negligence or lack of knowledge. Licensing these activities will help to safeguard animals and people when using these services.

“Canine fertility clinics are growing across Scotland and the rest of the UK. We are aware of veterinary surgery being carried out on dogs by laypeople, including caesarean sections and the administration of veterinary medicines, including hormones to encourage litters. These practices can result in extreme suffering and in the worst cases, death, particularly when carried out by those unqualified to do so.

“We would encourage individuals, businesses and groups to respond to this consultation to have their say on animal welfare in Scotland.”

No fixed penalty notices has been issued since smoking was made illegal within hospital grounds in Scotland in September 2022.

According to STV News, 31 of Scotland’s 32 local authorities responded to FOIs asking about fines for those breaching the smoking ban – with all saying they had not issued any penalties.

In September 2022, a new law was introduced extending the voluntary smoke-free hospital grounds policy from 2015.

It means that it is now illegal to smoke within 15 metres of an NHS building including under awning, canopies, or any other overhanging structures.

Those caught face fixed penalty notices of £50 or a £1,000 fine if taken to court.

The policy is part of a Scottish Government aim to create a tobacco-free Scotland by 2034.

Wilma Brown, who is a nurse and member of Unison’s health committee, said it is “no surprise” there have not been any fines despite seeing people smoking on hospital grounds “every day”.

She said: “Generally they will move on because they know it’s not the right place to smoke, you just sometimes have to point it out to them.

“Sometimes people get quite irate with staff when they ask them to move on so we have had quite a lot of issues where we’ve had to call security but I think as time’s gone on people realise the reasons and it has got easier.”

Sheila Duffy, chief executive of Ash Scotland, said the point of the law was not to fine people but to protect people recovering in hospitals from tobacco smoke.

She believes if that is happening then the law has worked but if not, then there is still a problem.

She said: “We know that enforcement officers and councils are under pressure and that councils are under funding pressure so I think it’s important that that funding is secured for them so that they know they have the people to go out there and observe and make sure that the law is being enforced.

“This is not however about fines it’s about clearing the air for people’s health and tobacco smoke is toxic, it’s preventable, it doesn’t need to be in hospitals.”

Public health minister Jenni Minto MSP hopes the lack of fines means people are “taking heed” of the new rules and have changed their behaviour.

“In some respects I think it’s not a bad thing that there’s been no fines because enforcement really is the last option,” she said.

“I would hope the fact that hospitals and environmental health officers are using a much more encouraging and educating process, as opposed to setting fines or giving fines through enforcement.”

The Environmental Protection Scotland’s (EPS) campaign this year focused on cleaning up our air to look after your mind on Clean Air Day, demonstrating the connection between air pollution and our mental health and brain health. Individuals and organisations across a number of sectors demonstrated their support for the campaign by running events and activities as well as spreading the word on social media. This included pledges such as cutting vehicle emissions, leaving the car at home more often, and engaging in active travel. 

As the coordinators of the national event in Scotland – they would love to hear your feedback.  

The campaign in Scotland is run on behalf of the Scottish Government and EPScotland are required to submit an evaluation report on the success of the campaign – and this is where you come in. 

EPScotland have set up an online survey via Google Forms that will only take around 10 minutes or less to complete, to capture your thoughts and feedback on the campaign. The results will not only feed into their evaluation report but will also help them to improve the campaign moving forward. 

The deadline for the survey is Friday 15 September 2024

Please click here to start the survey.  

Up to 26 million disposable vapes were consumed and thrown away in Scotland in the last year, of which an estimated 10 per cent were littered and more than half were incorrectly disposed of, according to a report published today.

In January 2023 the Scottish Government commissioned Zero Waste Scotland to carry out a review of the environmental impact of and potential policy options for improving the management of single-use e-cigarettes, reducing pollution and enhancing the safe recycling of the products they contain.

The review estimates:

• In 2022 10.8% of the adult population were regular users of e-cigarettes and that of these, more than a quarter (27%) were estimated to be users of single-use e-cigarettes
• In the 52 weeks to early April 2023, the number of disposable vapes consumed in Scotland was estimated to be between 21 and 26 million units
• The lithium polymer batteries used in some of the most popular e-cigarettes could be recharged 500 times if the product allowed for such
• The total emissions associated with single-use vapes in 2022 was estimated to be between 3375 and 4292 tonnes CO2e – the equivalent of around 2,100 cars on Scotland’s roads.
• The weight of packaging and materials discarded as a result of single-use e-cigarette consumption in Scotland is currently between 800 and 1,000 tonnes per year
• In the year ending January 2023, there were 543,000 vapers in Scotland – of which 51,000 (9%) were under 16 and 78,000 (14%) were under 18. Most under 18 e-cigarette users prefer single use vapes.

This report recommends a shortlist of nine high level potential policy options to be considered further by Ministers, from which the Scottish Government may prioritise further policy work to address these environmental impacts.

Lorna Slater, Minister for Circular Economy, Green Skills and Biodiversity said:

“This report shows that single use vapes have become a big problem – for our environment, local communities and young people. I will take action and will engage with those affected, including young people, over the coming months, with a view to setting out a way forward in the Autumn.

“Single use vapes are an issue across the UK, so I have invited Ministers from the other UK governments to meet to discuss the findings of the report and what we can do in response.

“Those who sell single use vapes are already required to take them back for safe disposal, or contribute to the cost of recycling, but this is clearly not happening as it should. I will therefore write to the UK Minister responsible to share our findings and to ask what they will do to ensure these obligations are met.”

The report shortlists nine potential measures to address environmental impacts of single use e-cigarettes, including a ban on sales, regulations to set certain design criteria, and charges to encourage behaviour change or producer fees to offset the environmental costs, such as a levy based on recycling rates. The report assesses the potential of each option for reducing environmental impact and the benefits of multiple measures in combination.

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland said:

“Any form of littering is unacceptable – it damages the environment, economy, and is a blight on the areas where we live, work, and socialise. Single use vapes are made up of components which, unless disposed of safely and responsibly, can last on our planet for years and years. And the sight of them, discarded on our streets, is becoming far too common.

“This is why Zero Waste Scotland was happy to lead on this important report. Tackling our throwaway culture is a priority for us and we will continue to work with the Scottish Government in highlighting the huge impact that littering these items has on the environment.”

To read the report see here Zero Waste Scotland report

A gym owner from Denny has been arrested following a joint investigation between the Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU), Police Scotland and Falkirk Council’s environmental health department.

In a landmark case, Jamie George (32) was sentenced at Stirling Sheriff Court to 37 months in jail for distributing 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a highly toxic industrial chemical.

The gym owner was convicted on Tuesday, 4 July after having pled guilty to charges of supplying DNP which, if ingested by humans, can kill or cause very serious side- effects.

Historically, it has also been sold as a diet pill for weight loss.

George pled guilty to a charge that, between May 1 2017 and October 8 2021, both dates inclusive, at various premises, including Muscle Hut in Camelon, he culpably and recklessly supplied the public with 2,4-dinitrophenol for human consumption knowing the substance was unsafe, injurious to health and potentially lethal if ingested, doing all of this to the danger of life.

His sentencing came as a result of a joint investigation between FSS’s Scottish Food Crime and Incidents Unit (SFCIU), Police Scotland and Falkirk Council’s Environmental Health department.

The case is the first of its kind involving DNP to be prosecuted in Scotland and is the first major criminal investigation to lead to a conviction for the SFCIU.

SFCIU staff, Police officers and Falkirk Council employees recovered 5kg of DNP, 120 filled capsules and 10,000 empty capsules as part of their investigation,

Ron McNaughton, head of the SFCIU, was delighted with the sentence and hailed the work of his department to secure it.

He said: “Jamie George’s sentencing today sends a clear message that there are consequences for those individuals who are prepared to put peoples’ lives at risk in order to profit financially from the supply of DNP.  It also highlights the importance of the continuous collaborative work being undertaken by the SFCIU, as well as local authorities such as Falkirk Council, and Police Scotland to keep people safe.

“We welcome today’s sentencing as we know that DNP has tragically been responsible for at least 33 deaths in the UK since 2007 and it remains of critical importance that we continue to highlight the dangers of DNP again and again.  DNP is not safe for human consumption under any circumstances.  If you consume DNP you are very likely to become ill, potentially seriously ill, and there is a real possibility that you could die as a result.  I cannot be more clear.”

The investigation into George was intelligence led with various agencies working in partnership to bring the case to court.

Amongst them was Falkirk Council’s Environmental Health department.

Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, leader of Falkirk Council, hopes the conviction acts as a deterrent.

Cllr Meiklejohn said: “The investigation involving our Environmental Health Officers involved a significant resource in executing search warrants, examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and checking fitness centres.

“The aim was to disrupt and stop the manufacture and sale of this dangerous chemical for human consumption. 

“We are pleased that the work has resulted in a conviction and hope this serves as a warning to others.”

There is no antidote to DNP with sufferers having to endure their symptoms until they hopefully recover.

There have been over 30 recorded deaths across the UK associated with DNP consumption, two of those in Scotland.

It’s suggested that 1kg of DNP is enough to create 5000 capsules.

Detective Chief Inspector David MacGregor, Forth Valley CID, said it was vital George’s operation was brought to a halt to prevent any further misery.

He said: “DNP is an extremely dangerous substance and should never be used for human consumption.

“Jamie George acted recklessly, without regard for the lives of those he supplied it to. It’s vital the public understands how lethal DNP can be and that’s why this conviction is so important.

“It sets a precedent to anyone who thinks it’s acceptable to break the law and put lives at risk through supplying it. It also underlines our commitment to the country’s Serious Organised Crime Strategy.

“We are committed to tackling substance misuse and will continue to work with partner agencies to target those involved in the distribution. Anyone with concerns about the supply of DNP, or any other potentially harmful substance, is urged to contact Police Scotland and we will investigate thoroughly.”

Welcoming the sentence, Helen Nisbet, Procurator Fiscal for Tayside, Central & Fife, said DNP could have “fatal consequences” for those taking it.

“Nonetheless, Jamie George sold this dangerous substance without any regard for the safety of anyone who might be buying these substances from him,” she added.

“This was a coordinated effort by enforcement agencies to disrupt the trafficking of a harmful drug through Scotland.

“With each successful conviction of this kind, we can help reduce the harm that these drugs inflict on Scotland’s communities. 

“We are targeting all people who threaten communities across Scotland, not only drug manufacturers but also those who direct their movements.”

The public should call the FSS Scottish Food Crime Hotline on 0800 028 7926 if they have any information regarding the sale of DNP.

Sheriff Derek Hamilton has published their sentencing statement and can be read here HMA v Jamie George.

REHIS News

Plans are well underway for the next diet of professional interviews which are being held on the 26 – 28 September 2023 at the Carnegie Conference Centre, Dunfermline. Candidates intending to present for interviews in relation to the REHIS Diploma in Environmental Health at this diet must have their portfolio submitted by 4 July 2023. Candidates intending to present for qualifications awarded by the SFSORB must have the required case study and/or reports submitted by 15 August 2023.

Strategic Plan 2023 – 2026

The Institute’s Strategic Plan, which was launched last month, details the priorities agreed for the next three years.  To read the full plan, please see here Strategic Plan – REHIS

REHIS Promotional Resource

The Institute is delighted to share some recently developed resources to promote the Environmental Health profession as a career Why-I-Should-become-an-EHO? and to promote REHIS-Qualifications.

This excellent short video, produced in partnership with Public Health Scotland, is available on the website Environmental Health Officers – REHIS

SAVE THE DATE – REHIS Community Training Annual Presenter’s Update 
 Wednesday 11 October 2023 – Location: Perth, Scotland – In person event
 
This will be a full day event, 9.15 – 4.15 and for the first time in four years will be in person only.

Further information about the venue and programme will be sent out over the next month; we hope you will be able to take the opportunity to network and participate in what promises to be an informative and interesting day.
 
 REHIS Food Update
 
The Annual Food Update took place on 7 June 2023, #WorldFoodSafetyDay, was a great success with over 100 professionals attending from various organisations including the enforcement, training and academic communities.  Council member with responsibility for food matters, Sheena Redmond, hosted the session and welcomed a variety of informative speakers, including Billy Hamilton from Food Standards Scotland, Paul Birkin, speaking on behalf of the Scottish Food Enforcement Liaison Committee, Chris Elliot of Queens University Belfast, Jonathan Wilkin of Abertay University, Jack Quick of UK Hospitality and Kevin Hayes of Tunnocks Ltd. 
 
The Institute would like to thank the speakers and all delegates who attended, making the event such a success. Copies of the presentations used by speakers are available to Institute members on the members only section of the website.

Members can view the presentations from the day here. 

Local authorities have new powers to reduce the negative impact of fireworks.  

From 22 June, councils can designate Firework Control Zones that would make it a criminal offence to ignite a firework, or knowingly throw a lit firework in a zone which can include private properties or gardens. The maximum penalties are a fine of up to £5,000 or up to six months in prison.

Organised public firework displays will still be permitted within Zones to allow people to enjoy fireworks safely.

The provisions are one of the key measures from the Fireworks and Pyrotechnics Articles (Scotland) Act 2022.

Firework Control Zones are part of a suite of complimentary measures being introduced by the Scottish Government aimed at encouraging the safe and appropriate use of fireworks. Earlier this month, new offences came into force to tackle the risk to public safety caused by the misuse of pyrotechnics. It is now illegal for members of the public to possess pyrotechnics in a public place, as well as at any sporting or live music events with more than 1,000 people attending, without a reasonable excuse.

The creation of Firework Control Zones was included in recommendations made to the Scottish Government by the independent Firework Review Group alongside limiting the quantity of fireworks which can be sold and restricting the times of day when fireworks can be used in public . These recommendations have already been progressed through primary and secondary legislation, with a programme of work underway to implement the remaining measures.

Minister for Victims and Community Safety, Siobhian Brown said: “Evidence and engagement with communities shows strong public support for tougher action on fireworks, which along with other pyrotechnic articles can cause harm, serious injury and distress to people, pets and the wider community.

“Giving local authorities additional powers to create Firework Control Zones, with input from the local community, marks a significant step in tackling the issues caused by fireworks, which are dangerous when used inappropriately.

“This change to the law demonstrates our absolute commitment to further improve public safety and wellbeing for our communities.”

Police Scotland Chief Inspector Nicola Robison said: “Fireworks Control Zones allow local authorities the power to designate areas where fireworks cannot be possessed or set off and ultimately restricts the improper use of such items in Scotland.

“It is a criminal offence to be in possession of, or setting off, fireworks within a Fireworks Control Zone and I would urge all members of the public to be aware of designated zones within your local area to ensure you are not in breach of the legislation.

“Police Scotland is committed to keeping the public safe from the risk of harm associated with the reckless and criminal use of fireworks and we welcome the addition of Fireworks Control Zones within Scotland.”

Review Group member, and Director of Innovation and Strategic Relations at the Scottish SPCA, Gilly Mendes Ferreira said: “We warmly welcome introduction of Firework Control Zones. The restrictions are much needed to prevent unnecessary suffering among pets, farm animals and wildlife. They will help to alleviate distress caused by fireworks and also prevent any firework debris that can be harmful to, or ingested by, animals.”