Retailers warned over Bonfire Night

Herefordshire Council's Environmental Health and Trading Standards service is warning retailers not to get burnt in the run-up to Bonfire Night by selling fireworks to under-age people.

Any retailer caught selling fireworks to someone who is under 18 years old could face up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000.

The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997 stipulate that fireworks must not be supplied to persons under 18.

Councillor John Jarvis, Herefordshire Council's cabinet member for environment and strategic housing, said: "People should remember that fireworks are not toys but powerful explosives. Each year there are numerous complaints from members of the public regarding anti-social behaviour involving fireworks and many of these problems involve children.

"Shopkeepers must act responsibly and ensure that they do not sell fireworks to children. If they do so they face the possibility of prosecution," he added.

Anti-social behaviour can include lighting fireworks in streets and parks. It is illegal for any person to let off or throw a firework in a public place, punishable with a fine of up to £5,000.
In order to reduce accidents and unsocial behaviour, shop keepers are being urged to obey age restriction laws.

Trading Standards are also advising consumers to take care when buying fireworks and offer the following advice:

• Fireworks should always be bought from a reputable shop to make sure that they conform to British Standards. This means that they should have BS 7114 written on the firework, a standard setting safety criteria for fireworks.
• Don't buy fireworks from anywhere you're not sure about, such as car boot sales or from the back of a van. The fireworks might not meet British Standards and might be unsafe, putting you and your family and friends in danger. In addition the sale of fireworks at such places is illegal.
• Always read the packet carefully and make sure that the fireworks you buy are suitable for the place where you are going to set them off. This is particularly important when buying category three display fireworks that require spectators to be 25 metres away.
• If members of the public have any information about the sale of fireworks from the back of vans or car boot sales or shops selling fireworks to under-18s, they can report the matter to Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.