Advice on Selling Fireworks

The Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997

• What do the Regulations cover?
• Can voluntary groups (eg. Schools PTAs, Round Tables) be supplied with fireworks prohibited by the Regulations?
• What does "supply" cover?
• How are the Regulations enforced?
• What is the penalty for breaching the Regulations?
• Who should I contact if I have any further questions?

What do the Regulations cover?

The Regulations

• Prohibit the supply of any fireworks which do not comply with British Standard BS 7114
• Prohibit the supply to the general public of
  • Any type of banger
  • Mini-rockets (mini-rocket is defined in the Regulations as a rocket whose diameter is less than 12mm and whose overall length (including stick) is 300mm or less)
  • Aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells in mortar and maroons in mortar
  • All Category 4 fireworks
• Prohibit the supply of fireworks to anyone apparently under the age of 18
  • Sparklers - are also fireworks and must not be sold to under 18's.  They must be labelled "Not to be given to children under 5 years of age"
  • Supply of caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents & throw-downs are not prohibited to under-18s, but is prohibited (under other legislation) to under-16s
• Prohibit splitting of boxes of fireworks which the packer intended to be sold complete

Can voluntary groups (e.g. school PTAs, Round Tables) be supplied with fireworks prohibited by the Regulations?

No.  Voluntary groups are regarded as the general public & therefore the same restrictions apply.

What does "supply" cover?

Actual supply (whether charged for or free issue), offer for supply, possession for supply, etc.

How are the Regulations enforced?

Trading Standards Officers inspect premises & carry out test purchases using child volunteers, to ensure fireworks are not being sold to under 18's.

What is the penalty for breaching the Regulations?

Offenders can be prosecuted in a magistrate's court & the penalties on conviction are, for each offence, a fine of up to £5000 or a prison sentence of up to six months or both.

Who should I contact if I have any further questions?

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Trading Standards Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 8355
0161 342 2288