"that is why there's been problems getting the permission.”
Police seized fireworks in Smethwick following concerns about people setting them off in public spaces during Diwali celebrations.
Footage shared on TikTok appeared to show an officer explaining why the fireworks were being confiscated.
A passerby approached the officer, asking:
“What’s happened here then? You’re seizing the fireworks?”
Whilst holding a bag containing fireworks, the officer warned that setting them off in public places is illegal and that irresponsible behaviour has contributed to difficulties securing permission for organised displays.
During the exchange, the officer explained that fireworks cannot legally be set off in public places, even on special occasions.
She then explained how the impact of fireworks being set off in the streets has had on organised
The conversation then turns to the impact that fireworks being set off in the streets has had on organised celebrations in the area.
The officer said that behaviour witnessed during the previous year was one of the reasons the council did not grant permission for a fireworks display organised by the local community.
She said: “Because of this and behaviour like this last year, that is why the community didn’t get permission from the council to do a fireworks display.”
The incident also highlighted concerns around firework safety, as the officer added:
“And because of people setting off fireworks in the streets around children, that is why there’s been problems getting the permission.”
During the interaction, a member of the public asked the officer for their badge number, explaining that they may need it for reference.
The exchange also highlighted the importance of allowing communities to celebrate Diwali safely and with appropriate arrangements in place.
The police officer stressed:
“I think it’s really important that we’re able to celebrate Diwali properly.”
In the comments section, other TikTok users pointed out the issue with setting fireworks off in the street.
One person wrote: “The neighbours over the road from me set off fireworks on the public path last night and didn’t sweep up the rubbish from the fireworks….. They have a garden.”
Another called for fireworks to be banned for sale to the public:
“Fireworks should be banned for sale to the public 100%, only to be used at public displays.”
The footage has drawn attention to the distinction between organised fireworks displays, which require the appropriate permissions, and individuals setting off fireworks in public spaces.
