New Year’s Eve ‘eight hour’ rule warning that might result in £110 superb

Brits are being warned that certain traditions could result in chunky fines if they’re not aware of the rules and regulations

Brits are being cautioned that their traditional New Year’s celebrations could land them in hot water with the law. Home experts at Pergolux UK have warned that those ringing in the new year from their homes could face hefty fines and penalties if they fail to adhere to certain rules regarding fireworks, bonfires, parking, noise, and more.

It’s advised to check with your local council for any specific rules or additional regulations ahead of December 31. However, there are some general guidelines to be aware of if you’re hosting a New Year’s bash.

Quiet hours, which typically run from 11pm until 7am the following day, remain in effect on New Year’s Eve. Councils can investigate any complaints made during these hours and may fine you up to £110 if the noise isn’t reduced after a warning.

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Keeping neighbours informed about any festivities and being considerate when setting music levels can help avoid this penalty. Fireworks are a common way to usher in the new year, but setting these off after 1am on New Year’s Day could result in a £90 immediate fine for illegal fireworks use.

Normally, fireworks are prohibited after 11pm, but this is extended on New Year’s Eve. However, it’s worth noting that some local councils may have different hours, reports Lancs Live.

Similarly, bonfires and firepits may be a festive essential for some, but the smoke can lead to a hefty fine of up to £5,000 from the local council. If your smoke is deemed a statutory nuisance, you could be slapped with an abatement notice by the council and face the very big fine if you don’t comply.

If you’re planning on hosting a few guests, it’s worth informing them about where they can park. Parking in front of any of your neighbours’ entrances is more than just poor manners – it’s actually against the Highway Code, which carries its own set of penalties.

What are the rules on noise between 11pm and 7am in UK?

The government has spelt out the rules on gov.uk. They say councils can look into complaints to tackle noise.

They can also send out warning notices in response to complaints about noise above permitted levels from 11pm to 7am. These notices can be used by local authorities for noise that is not a statutory nuisance.

And if someone does not comply with a warning notice without a “reasonable excuse”, councils are able to:

• remove noise-making equipment like loudspeakers
• dish out a fixed penalty notice (FPN), giving them the chance to pay a fine (up to £110 for dwellings and £500 for licensed premises) within 14 days, instead of being prosecuted
• prosecute them if they don’t issue an FPN or if the person responsible doesn’t pay the fine on time. What’s more, if convicted they can get a fine of up to £1,000 for dwellings and an unlimited amount for licensed premises