If you are planning to use fireworks in Northern Ireland this Hallowe’en, there is one important piece of preparation that needs to come before buying them: in most cases, you need a fireworks licence.

The requirement applies not only to large public displays but also to people planning to set off ordinary garden fireworks at home.

For Hallowe’en 2026, applications must reach the Department of Justice no later than Friday 16 October.

Do I need a licence?

In Northern Ireland, you need a valid licence to buy, possess or use fireworks, with limited exceptions for indoor fireworks and sparklers.

That means that if you are planning a small family fireworks display in your garden, you will normally still need to apply.

Separate application forms are available for:

• Category F2 garden fireworks
• Display-type fireworks

Applications and further guidance are available through nidirect.

Where can I buy fireworks?

Fireworks must be purchased from a retailer registered by the Department of Justice.

Registered retailers are required to display their licence or certificate of registration, and you must show your fireworks licence when purchasing fireworks covered by it.

Buying fireworks from an unregistered or illegal source could lead to prosecution, and illegally supplied fireworks may not meet the required safety standards.

Some fireworks are prohibited

Members of the public cannot buy or use Category F4 professional fireworks.

A number of particular types are also prohibited, including bangers, double bangers, flash bangers, jumping crackers, jumping ground spinners and certain mini rockets and shot tubes.

It is also illegal to sell fireworks from markets, car boot sales or vehicles such as vans.

Where can fireworks be used?

Fireworks must not be thrown or set off in a street or public place, except as part of a properly licensed public display.

Official guidance advises treating a public place, for practical purposes, as anywhere other than your own garden. Parks, school playgrounds and bus stations are among the examples given.

Think about neighbours and animals

Firework safety is not only about preventing injuries.

The Department of Justice is also asking people to consider the effect of sudden and repeated firework noise on vulnerable people, pets and farm animals.

Low-noise fireworks may be available from registered retailers.

Giving neighbours advance warning, keeping a display reasonably short and choosing lower-noise fireworks where possible can all help reduce distress.

Follow the Firework Code

Official safety advice includes:

• only buying correctly marked fireworks from reputable suppliers;
• not drinking alcohol while setting off fireworks;
• keeping fireworks securely stored until required;
• following the instructions supplied with each firework;
• lighting fireworks at arm’s length;
• keeping spectators well back;
• never returning to a firework once it has been lit;
• supervising children carefully;
• never giving sparklers to children under five;
• keeping pets indoors; and
• avoiding setting fireworks off late at night.

Fireworks are explosives and should always be treated accordingly.

What are the penalties?

Firework offences in Northern Ireland can carry a maximum penalty of £5,000, three months’ imprisonment, or both.

Hallowe’en 2026 deadline

The key date to remember is:

Friday 16 October 2026

Applications for fireworks intended for use over Hallowe’en must have been received by the Department of Justice by that date.

Application forms, the list of registered retailers, detailed legal guidance and the Firework Safety Code are available through nidirect.

Anyone with information about the illegal sale or use of fireworks can contact the PSNI on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Fireworks can be an enjoyable part of Halloween, but the rules in Northern Ireland are clear: get the licence, buy legally, use them safely and think about those around you.

Sources and further information

Department of Justice, Northern Ireland
Stay safe, legal and considerate if you’re planning fireworks this Halloween
Published 15 September 2026
https://www.justice-ni.gov.uk/news/stay-safe-legal-and-considerate-if-youre-planning-fireworks-halloween

nidirect
Fireworks
Guidance on licensing, legal restrictions, registered sellers and firework safety
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks