Staffordshire businesses reminded about firework sales safety

As bonfire night approaches, businesses are being reminded about the importance of safely storing and selling fireworks.

Staffordshire County Council’s Trading Standards officers will be visiting various premises to make sure safety regulations are adhered to and that fireworks are only sold to individuals over 18.

Sellers must have a licence to store and sell fireworks, and consumers should purchase them only from registered premises. Officers are also advising against buying fireworks from car boot sales, outdoor markets, or on social media.

Victoria Wilson, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Trading Standards at Staffordshire County Council said:

“This is a particularly busy time for our trading standards officers who are working with retailers to ensure that items are being stored safely and sold responsibly. 

“We do want everyone to have an enjoyable time over the bonfire celebrations but fireworks can be extremely dangerous and there are very strict rules in place to keep people safe.  Only specialist traders are licensed to sell fireworks all year round and others can only sell them at certain times of the year.

“And please don’t be tempted to buy items on social media or from someone in the local pub or market as you don’t know what you’re getting.  We’ve seen cases where people have been sold display fireworks which are much more powerful and can be really dangerous. Illicit fireworks also risk being manufactured poorly and pose a significant safety hazard to users and their families.”

Anyone who has concerns about the sale of fireworks should contact Staffordshire Trading Standards on 01785 330356.