Remember, remember the 5th November and these fireworks rules to make it safe to December…
As the nights are drawing in and we enter ‘firework’ season with Bonfire night and Diwali nearly upon us, PPP are reminding residents and shopkeepers of some safety tips and restrictions regarding the coming ‘sparkling’ season.
Restrictions Around Fireworks
- Did you know you have to be over 18 years old to buy fireworks? This includes sparklers
- Trading Standards carry out regular exercises during this time to check that fireworks and sparklers are not sold to people below the legal age
- The law says you must not set off or throw fireworks (including sparklers) in the street or other public places
- It is an offence to let fireworks off during late night hours (11pm to 7am), except on Bonfire Night (midnight), Diwali, New Year's Eve, and Chinese New Year (1am)
Trading Standards suggestions to businesses that they avoid making underage sales by:
- having an age verification policy of challenge 25 in place
- training all staff on this policy and acceptable forms of ID
- point of sale and shelf line notices and
- keep a refusals log that is checked monthly by a senior staff member
Stay Safe Around Fireworks
Every year despite annual safety warnings, firework celebrations still end in painful injuries for too many people, including very young children. Follow the Firework Code and stay safe around fireworks:
- Plan your firework display to make it safe and enjoyable, and ensure it finishes before 11pm (midnight on Bonfire Night)
- Only buy fireworks which carry the CE mark, keep them in a closed box and use them one at a time
- Read and follow the instructions on each firework using a torch if necessary
- Light the firework at arm's length with a taper and stand well back
- Keep naked flames, including cigarettes, away from fireworks
- Never return to a firework once it has been lit
- Don't put fireworks in pockets and never throw them
- Direct any rocket fireworks well away from spectators
- Never use paraffin or petrol on a bonfire
- Make sure that the fire is out and surroundings are made safe before leaving.
For more information on safety around fireworks and the fireworks code see link to RoSPA site here.
Trading Standards advice on age restricted products see link here.
If you are aware, or suspect, that fireworks are been sold illegally please report to Public Protection Partnership via our service request form here or call us on 01635 503242.
If fireworks are been used in a public place, or in a dangerous way, or been let off after later than they are allowed (see above for details) then please call the police.
101 for Non-Emergencies
999 for Emergencies
