The Department of Justice has set a deadline of Friday, 16 October for applications for fireworks licences in Northern Ireland.

Justice Minister Naomi Long said the law requires a licence to purchase, possess or use fireworks. She said it is an offence to buy or be in possession of fireworks without one.

The department is processing applications as quickly as possible. The Minister urged anyone who has not yet submitted an application to do so before the deadline in order to have a licence in time for Halloween.

Fireworks must be purchased from a supplier registered by the Department of Justice. Fireworks from illegal sources may not be safe and could lead to prosecution. Registered retailers must display their licence or certificate prominently at the point of sale.

Application forms and a list of registered retailers are available on the NIDirect website. Completed forms with the appropriate fee should be returned to the Firearms and Explosives Branch in Belfast.

The licence fee is £30 where there are fewer than 100 spectators and increases depending on the number of spectators. The fireworks listed on the licence are the only ones that can be purchased. If alternative or additional fireworks are needed, the licence must be amended before purchase.