Trading Standards officers from Staffordshire County Council are working with businesses selling fireworks to make sure they are being stored and sold safely.
Any company storing and selling fireworks needs a licence and they can only be sold to people over the age of 18. It is against the law for fireworks to be sold at a car boot sale, from a vehicle or from a private house. People should also avoid buying such items through social media network sites as there’s no way of telling what you’re buying. Anyone buying fireworks should only do so from registered premises.
John Evans, Director of Kidsgrove based Monumental Fireworks, is one Staffordshire retailer working closely with Trading Standards officers to make sure the rules are followed.
John said: “We’ve been selling fireworks for over three years and we’re very aware of the importance around their safe storage and sale.
“We actually sell fireworks all year round, and do have a special licence for this, whereas most retailers only sell them during the standard legal selling periods. Key for us is firstly the safe storage of the products. They do contain explosives and need to be stored in accordance with strict health and safety rules.
“Equally as important is the sale of them, so we make sure that they are not sold to under 18s and operate a Challenge 25 policy. And for those legal to purchase them, before they leave the shop, we always make sure they know how to store and use them correctly.
“We’ve always worked closely with Trading Standards and taken their advice and for us, it’s all about keeping people safe. My best advice is to always buy from a reputable retailer, who will use reputable suppliers and have all the proper insurances in place.”
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said: “We currently have over 80 sites licenced for explosives, which includes those storing and selling fireworks in Staffordshire, so it’s a big job for the team.
“All premises have a pre inspection visit to assess the suitability of the storage conditions before a licence is granted, and officers work closely with colleagues from Staffordshire Fire and Rescue service. Unannounced spot check visits are then carried out during the fireworks selling period to make sure businesses are following the rules.
“Keeping people safe is a priority for the team and whilst the vast majority of traders do follow the law, we do need to know about unregistered traders and those who are selling fireworks unlawfully, putting people’s safety at risk. Fireworks can be lethal and I would encourage anyone with information about unauthorised sellers to get in touch with the team.”
Unless they have an all-year-round licence, licensed businesses are only allowed to sell fireworks at the following times of the year:
- 15th October to 10th November
- 26th December to 31st December
- The first day of Chinese New Year and the three days immediately before this
- On the day of Diwali and the three days immediately before this.
Anyone with concerns about the sale of fireworks should contact Trading Standards confidential helpline on 01785 330356.
