The phrase lolly scramble is also used metaphorically in reference to government budgets and pre-election promises.
[3] Lolly scrambles were first held at picnics and parties, but by the 1930s had grown popular at galas, cinemas, ice skating rinks, and annual Santa parades.
[3][5] Hygiene was raised as a concern by parents when unwrapped sweets were distributed by dirty hands and landed on 'polluted' ground.
[3] A child in 1992 dove under a moving Santa parade float to retrieve a lolly and broke his arm.
However, despite fears of government bans, no laws or bylaws were enacted against them,[3] and under health and safety regulations, "Being hit by a flying lolly would not be defined as a significant hazard.