Northern Ireland fireworks licence deadline this Friday as Halloween approaches
The Belfast Desk | 14 October 2026 | Latest News
People planning to buy or use fireworks in Northern Ireland this Halloween are being reminded that the deadline to apply for a fireworks licence is Friday 16 October 2026.
Justice Minister Naomi Long has urged anyone intending to use fireworks during the Halloween period to submit their application to the Department of Justice before the deadline.
Under Northern Ireland law, a licence is required to purchase, possess or use fireworks, with those who fail to comply potentially facing prosecution.
The Department of Justice has confirmed that applications must be received no later than Friday to allow them to be processed ahead of Halloween.
Northern Ireland fireworks licence deadline approaches
The Northern Ireland fireworks licence requirement applies to people intending to purchase, possess or use fireworks, including those organising displays for Halloween celebrations.
Justice Minister Naomi Long said: “The law is clear – if you intend to purchase, possess or use fireworks, a licence is required. It is an offence to buy or be in possession of fireworks without one.”
The Minister said the Department was working to process applications as quickly as possible.
She added: “The Department is currently processing applications as quickly as possible and I would urge anyone who hasn’t submitted their application yet, to do so as soon as possible before Friday’s deadline in order to have your licence in time for Halloween.”
The licensing requirement was introduced under the Explosives (Fireworks) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2002, which came into operation in May of that year.
How much does a fireworks licence cost?
The Department of Justice has confirmed that the licence fee for a fireworks display with fewer than 100 spectators is £30.
Fees increase depending on the number of spectators expected to attend.
Applicants must provide the appropriate fee when submitting their completed application to the Department.
The licence also specifies which fireworks the holder is permitted to purchase.
Anyone wishing to purchase additional or different fireworks must contact the Department’s Firearms and Explosives Branch to have their licence amended before making the purchase.
People planning displays are therefore being encouraged to consider their requirements carefully when completing an application.
Fireworks must be purchased from registered retailers
The Department has also reminded the public that fireworks must only be purchased from suppliers registered with the Department of Justice.
Registered retailers are required to display their licence or certificate of registration prominently at the point of sale.
Officials have warned against purchasing fireworks from illegal sources, as such products may not meet appropriate safety requirements.
Anyone buying fireworks illegally could also face prosecution.
A list of registered fireworks retailers is available through the NI Direct website, alongside guidance on licensing and fireworks safety.
How to apply before Friday’s deadline
Anyone requiring a fireworks licence can obtain an application form and guidance through NI Direct.
Completed applications, together with the appropriate fee, must be returned to:
Firearms and Explosives Branch
Knockview
Stormont Estate
Belfast
BT4 3SJ
Applications must be received by Friday 16 October 2026.
The Department has not guaranteed that every application submitted close to the deadline will be approved in time for Halloween.
Residents are therefore advised to submit their applications as soon as possible and ensure all required information and payment are included.
Halloween fireworks safety reminder
With Halloween approaching, the Department is also encouraging the public to follow official guidance on the safe and lawful use of fireworks.
This includes purchasing fireworks only from registered retailers and ensuring that any fireworks used are covered by the relevant licence.
People organising displays should familiarise themselves with the safety information published by NI Direct before proceeding.
Further details on licence applications, registered retailers, legal requirements and fireworks safety are available on the official NI Direct website.
External link NI Direct – Fireworks licensing, applications and safety
Halloween events across Northern Ireland: fireworks, trails and family days out