News December 2022: Updates to Regulations for Cracker Night

The new Explosives Regulations 2022 include amendments relating to Cracker Night in Tasmania. These changes to Cracker Night permit conditions extend display times to 45 minutes in duration, and allow displays to occur between the times of 7pm and 7:45pm, or 7:45pm and 8:30pm. See full details about the remade Explosives Regulations.

To hold a display

To hold a fireworks display for Cracker Night, you must obtain a permit from WorkSafe Tasmania.

Fireworks displays held without a permit are illegal and attract severe monetary fines.

Anyone 18 years or older can apply for a Cracker Night fireworks permit. If a permit is issued, it allows Type 2 fireworks to be used.

Cracker Night falls on 24 May each year. If this date is not a Saturday the following Saturday will apply.

Cracker Night permits are approved for 45 minute displays between the times of 7pm and 7:45pm, or 7:45pm and 8:30pm.

All other fireworks displays must be conducted:

• by a pyrotechnician
• for an ‘approved purpose’ type of fireworks display only.

General responsibilities for the permit holder

By law, fireworks are classed as explosives and therefore must be handled with care and respect to prevent injuries and property damage.

• As the holder of a fireworks permit you must comply with permit conditions, including the display time, notification requirements and separation distances.
• It is an offence to use fireworks if you are smoking or under the influence of an intoxicating drug or medication (including alcohol).
• You are responsible for crowd control and ensuring that spectators do not gain access to fireworks or firing areas.
• Do not hold the fireworks display in unsafe weather. This includes when winds are greater than 39 km/hour or during a lightning storm.

In the event that you do not hold your fireworks display due to inclement weather you must ensure you store your fireworks securely. Fireworks should be stored in a cool, dark place away from children such as closed wooden box or solid sided plastic container with lid.  They should be kept in their original packaging and away from other dangerous goods e.g. petrol, chemicals.

Please read the guide on using fireworks safely.

Rescheduling of Cracker Night

By law, Cracker Night falls on 24 May each year. If this date is not a Saturday the following Saturday will apply.  If a permit is issued for Cracker Night, it allows Type 2 fireworks to be used.

It will not be rescheduled to another day.

The use of type 2 fireworks on any other day without a permit are illegal and attract severe monetary fines.

Resources

Application for pyrotechnician permit (PDF, 1.0 MB)

Theatrical fireworks permit application (PDF, 903.5 KB)

Using fireworks safely on Cracker Night  (PDF, 311.6 KB)