The Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Bill has been passed following a Scottish Parliament debate and introduces a fireworks licensing system, with mandatory safety training, for people wishing to purchase and use fireworks.
The RCOphth joined a coalition of seven medical institutions expressing support for the Bill. A letter of support was co-signed by the seven institutions and was submitted to the Minister for Community Safety, Ms Ash Regan MSP, outlining the importance of the proposed legislation to help ensure the significant reduction in the number of potentially devastating yet eminently preventable fireworks injuries.
This legislative review was undertaken in response to overwhelming support from the Scottish public for stricter firework legislation. The Firework Review Group set up by the Scottish government looked at legislative options to be considered by parliament as a means of reducing firework-related harm in Scotland, including ocular trauma.
View Letter of Support: Medical Associations Support Letter Scot Gov Fireworks Pyro Bill 2022.06.21
View the final version of the Bill here and the transcript of the debate here.