Firework Control Zones introduced in Southside amid concerns over policing children in multicultural areas
As new restrictions on fireworks come into force across Govanhill and Pollokshields, many welcome the move to reduce chaos on Bonfire Night – while some fear it could lead to over-policing of children in already marginalised communities.
Firework in the night sky by Neenu Vimalkumar
By Devon McCole | Photo by Neenu Vimalkumar
Firework Control Zones (FCZs) have officially come into effect in select areas in Glasgow, including in Govanhill and Pollokshields. The aim is to combat the antisocial behaviour associated with Bonfire night, ‘to ensure public safety, reduce disturbance, and protect vulnerable individuals and animals from the adverse effects of fireworks. It was brought in following public consultation.
For years, residents have complained about the prevalence of fireworks in Govanhill and Pollokshields – areas which have been the site of antisocial behaviour, which have caused injuries, general distress and damage to public spaces and private property.
Councillor Laura Doherty, city convenor for neighbourhood services and assets said in a video shared online:
“These zones are designed to keep our communities safe, protecting families, pets and vulnerable neighbours from distress and harm. These Firework Control Zones have also been designed by communities themselves after major consultation works backed by data from Police Scotland and Fire and Rescue…building a calmer, safer and more caring place to live.”
What are the new rules?
From 1 - 10 November, anyone caught using fireworks within the FCZs is committing a criminal offence. This includes in private spaces such as back gardens as well as in public areas. Sparklers, however, are still allowed.
It is also an offence to launch a firework into one of the designated zones.
If Police Scotland finds anyone is breaking these rules, they could face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.
In Govanhill, the following streets (including both sides of the streets listed) make up the boundary from North East clockwise: M74, Aikenhead Road, Dixon Road, Victoria Road.
In Pollokshields, the following streets (including both sides of the streets listed) make up the boundary from North East clockwise: St Andrews Crescent, St Andrews Drive, St Andrews Road, Darnley Street, Darnley Road, Titwood Road, Dumbreck Road, M77. The FCZ also includes the back gardens of houses on Maxwell Gardens and Maxwell Grove.
Residents react to the new rules and share their concerns on over-policing already occurring
Fireworks have always been a polarising issue and debate rages on about how to deal with the negative effects of fireworks; fires, distress, damaged property and injury. To counter these concerns, the council has opted to restrict their use in residential areas.
But, as the FCZs have come into effect, some have expressed concerns around how the new rules are being enforced, especially concerning Police Scotland’s potential use of their extended powers during this period in these predominantly multicultural areas. With only three designated FCZs, police presence in these areas will be heavier than most between now and 10 November, and there are genuine concerns that residents not setting off fireworks could still be penalised under the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004.
This act informs the policing of FCZs which were made possible through the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022. The FCZs built on that legislation, which is designed to give councils and police extended powers to deal with ‘nuisance and disorder’. These extended powers include dispersing groups of people, issuing fines, searching for and seizing fireworks (in the event that any are found on someone’s person following a stop and search), and arresting people breaking the rules.
Writing on a local Facebook group, Zineerah Ali expressed concern that these powers could be used disproportionately against people not causing trouble, like in the profiling of people of colour and general over-policing of community gatherings. She described an incident that occurred last weekend:
“Over the Halloween and Bonfire Night period, Police Scotland and Glasgow City Council have designated Pollokshields as a ‘Dispersal Zone’ under the Anti-Social Behaviour (Scotland) Act 2004… In practice it grants police sweeping powers that disproportionately impact young people from racialised communities.”
“My mum, Tabassum Niamat, organises the annual Halloween event at the Bowling Green every year… She spoke to three police officers earlier in the evening and made them aware of the event… They knew to expect families and children.”
“Just a few hours later, my nine-year-old brother experienced the real-life consequences of these so-called ‘safety measures.’ He and his friend – both brown children – were standing outside the Bowling Green… within minutes, they were surrounded by three police officers who ordered them to disperse.”
“When they explained their ages (9–11), the officers coldly responded that ‘age doesn’t matter’ and warned them they could be arrested if they did not leave.”
“There was no crime, no reasonable suspicion, no antisocial behaviour…The threshold ‘may lead to antisocial behaviour’ is dangerously vague and subjective. It invites arbitrary enforcement, erodes public trust, and opens the door to racial profiling.”
Tabassum Niamat, mother of Zimeerah and Executive Director of Bowling Green Together said:
“It’s particularly troubling that the officers ignored an open, well-lit venue full of adults, including myself, and instead approached children outside without first asking a simple question – where are your parents?
“What’s missing here, and what’s most needed, is compassion…a nine-year-old should never be treated as suspect first, child second.”
In response to questions about the incident, a Police Scotland spokesperson said:
“On Friday, 31 October, officers on patrol within the Pollokshields Firework Control Zone were required to disperse a group of youths and children after some were found in the possession of fireworks in the Kenmure Street area.
“Officers later engaged directly with the parents of those involved, and the circumstances and reasoning for police action were fully explained.
As of yet Police Scotland say no formal complaint has been received in relation to this matter, however, we’ve been told the family plan on filing one.
Tab added:
“As someone who has spent years working closely with the police and local council on community matters in Pollokshields, I’ve seen both the good and the difficult sides of these relationships.
“I understand that policing is complex and that officers are human, but humans also carry biases…I would like to add that racialised children are often seen as adults and treated as such whereas their white counterparts are allowed to be children.
“This isn’t about ‘playing the race card.’ It’s about recognising that institutional bias, which Police Scotland themselves have publicly acknowledged, has real and personal consequences.”
Police Scotland maintain that they remain committed to fair and proportionate policing, treating everyone with dignity and respect and working in partnership with diverse communities they serve.
If you feel you have been unfairly treated by the police you can make a formal complaint to Police Scotland and if unresolved you can go to the Police Investigations and Review Commisioner.