27/10/2008 - Trading Standards crack down on underage firework sales

Traders selling fireworks in Cumbria are warned they are in for a rocket if they sell to underage customers.

Cumbria Trading Standards Service is stepping up firework enforcement in the run up to Guy Fawkes night and they are warning traders they will use undercover child volunteers to attempt to make test purchases in a bid to cut the anti-social behaviour that is often associated with the firework season.

Last year around half of all injuries involved children aged under 16 and the clampdown aims to stop fireworks getting into the wrong hands.

Phil Ashcroft, Head of Trading Standards said:

"The vast majority of retailers comply fully with the law on the safe storage and sale of fireworks, but those who don’t heed our advice and sell fireworks to children will be dealt with severely. It is essential that young people who try to buy fireworks are asked for some form of identification such as a proof of age card.

"We also urge adults to act responsibly and not buy fireworks on behalf of children and report any instances of sales to children they come across. We are keen to do all we can in Cumbria to reduce accidents and incidents of anti-social behaviour through firework misuse."

Shopkeepers and the public are reminded that:

- It is illegal to sell bangers and air bombs. 

- Retailers have to have a licence to sell all year round.

- It is illegal to set fireworks off between 11pm and 7am except in the following cases:

November 5 (until midnight)

New Years Eve (until 1am on the following day) Chinese New Year (until 1am on the following day) Diwali (until 1am on the following day)

Notes

- The age limit for buying fireworks is 18. Sparklers can be sold to people 16 years and over.

- It is illegal to break open retail packs of fireworks and sell them individually.

- It is illegal to let fireworks off in a public place, such as the street or public park.

- It is illegal to sell fireworks from premises not registered/licensed with the Local Authority.

ENDS

For further information or action contact Pat Thomas, 01539 713574 or John Greenbank, 01900 325982.

Please note: Cumbria County Council's media team telephone numbers have now changed.

Media enquiries to Gareth Cosslett, News Manager on 01228 226332