Christmas Crackers: Festive Fun or Firework Folly?

Festive Christmas crackers, a staple on many dinner tables, are subject to a surprising legal restriction: they are classified as category one fireworks. This classification stems from the small explosive charge within the cracker's 'snap'. Consequently, current laws prohibit their sale to individuals under the age of 12, though children may use them under adult supervision. Retailers face substantial penalties, including fines up to £5,000 and potential bans from the industry, while owners could be fined up to £20,000 for repeated offenses.

The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 enforce these rules, with penalties in England and Wales potentially including unlimited fines and imprisonment. Scotland and Northern Ireland impose fines up to £5,000 and possible jail time. These regulations apply across all category one fireworks, some of which have a higher age restriction of 16.