Posted on Wednesday 27th October 2021
With Halloween and Bonfire night just around the corner, businesses in Staffordshire are being reminded about the importance of safe fireworks sales.
Staffordshire County Council’s Trading standards officers are visiting retailers to ensure that items are being stored safely and only being sold to people over 18.
Anyone selling fireworks needs to ensure the fireworks are stored safely and they need to apply for a license to do so.
Fireworks cannot be sold at a car boot sale, from a vehicle or from a private house.
Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said:
“This is a particularly busy time of year for our trading standards team, who are visiting retailers across the county to ensure that fireworks are being stored safely and being sold responsibly.
“Fireworks can be extremely dangerous and do need to be handled correctly.
"Whilst the vast majority of traders do this, it’s important that our team know about anyone selling fireworks illegally.
"Anyone with information on where this is happening should get in touch with the team.”
Officers are also reminding people not to be tempted to buy fireworks from social media websites.
Victoria added:
“Buying fireworks from non-registered traders or on social media sites can also be very risky as you have no idea what you’re getting and can’t guarantee the quality and safety of the products.
"In some cases by mistake we have seen people unwittingly buying large display fireworks which have a high quantity of explosives.
"These can be particularly dangerous and should never be sold to anyone who hasn’t been trained to let them off safely.”
Only specialist traders are licensed to sell fireworks all year round.
The vast majority of shops can only sell fireworks from October 15th until November 10th and then again from December 26th until December 31st.
The county council’s sustainability team is also reminding those interested in enjoying a more eco-friendly celebration that this is possible.
Using white fireworks which have fewer chemicals are kinder to the environment.
Attending an organised display is better than lots of home displays and helping to clean up after fireworks displays are all ways of being friendlier to the planet.
Anyone who has concerns about the sale of fireworks should contact the Trading Standards confidential helpline on 01785 330356.