Firework season triggers retailer checks to ensure public safety
Tuesday, 1 November 2022
The nights are drawing in, there is a chill in the air, and it won't be long before Bonfire Night season is here.
But before we can ‘Remember, remember the Fifth of November’, Central Bedfordshire Council’s Trading Standards Team, will visit all firework retailers across Central Bedfordshire to ensure residents aren’t being sold potentially faulty fireworks.
Trading Standards Officers will inspect retailers’ premises to check all fireworks are being stored safely and securely, away from potential sources of ignition and damp.
A number of other checks will be carried out to ensure retailers are behaving responsibly and complying with the law. This includes having the required licence to legally store and sell fireworks and that the fireworks conform to relevant safety standards.
Because of their safety hazard, using or selling fireworks illegally can result in a £5,000 fine or imprisonment. You could also get an on-the-spot fine of £90 if found breaking the law.
Retailers will be reminded that anyone under the age of 18 is not allowed to buy fireworks or handle them in a public place. Officers will advise retailers on the harsh penalties if they sell to those under the age of 18, including a possible criminal conviction.
Fireworks should only be purchased from reputable retailers and people are advised to steer clear of buying fireworks from markets, car-boot sales, or street sellers. Fireworks bought from these sources could be defective and are unlikely to meet UK safety requirements. To ensure fireworks come from a trustworthy dealer, make sure they include a ‘CE’ safety mark.
Local fireworks suppliers will also be encouraged to stock quieter fireworks to help minimise the disruption.
It is an offence to cast or light any firework from private property into a public space, such as a street or park, or to let fireworks off between the hours of 11pm and 7am. On Bonfire Night fireworks are not allowed from Midnight to 7am and on Diwali, New Year and Chinese New Year, fireworks must not be used from 1am to 7am.
Councillor Ian Dalgarno, Executive Member for Community Services at Central Bedfordshire Council, said:
We know many residents and families enjoy fireworks for numerous events and occasions, but they are explosives and can be dangerous so need careful handling and storage. Every year there are accidents caused by the improper use of fireworks and carelessness. The safest place to enjoy fireworks is at a large public display. However, if you intend to buy your own, please purchase them from a reputable retailer and take care when using them.
If members of the public, have concerns that fireworks being sold are unsafe or that they are being sold illegally they can contact the council’s trading standards team, in confidence, by emailing trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or calling on 0300 300 8000
Please follow the council’s guide on how to use fireworks safely, so you have an enjoyable night:
- only buy fireworks from a reputable dealer and ensure they CE marked
- do not drink alcohol if handling fireworks
- keep fireworks in a closed box
- follow the instructions on each firework
- light at arm’s length using a taper
- stand well back from a lit firework
- never go near a firework that has been lit and failed to go off. It could still explode
- never put fireworks into your pocket or throw them
- always supervise children/under 18’s around fireworks
- light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
- never give sparklers to under 5’s
- keep pets indoors
Residents with concerns for their pets or livestock are advised to speak with their vet or to visit the RSPCA’s website which has plenty of tips on making fireworks less frightening for animals.