The 15th October is the first day fireworks can be legally sold to the public. Despite that, Glasgow residents have already been subjected to fireworks explosions as illegal traders profiteer to the detriment of everyone else.
The City Council has lobbied the UK government to ban public sales but despite the legislation being tightened up recently, the public can still buy fireworks. As a result, neighbourhoods continue to come under siege at this time every year; people lose eyes and suffer serious burns and properties are damaged by fireworks and dangerous bonfires.
Trading Standards officers from Land and Environmental Services are already out on the city streets checking that if a shop must sell fireworks, that shop is properly registered with the Council, it is storing them safely and securely and that none are sold to minors.
In order to tackle under-aged sales, test purchasing will be carried out. (‘It is illegal for retailers to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone who is under 16 and to sell all other fireworks to anyone who is under 18.’ (BERR*)
Councillor Jim Coleman, Deputy Leader of Glasgow City Council said: “We are asking the public to help us seek out rogue traders by calling 0141 287 6681 and reporting any suspicions they have about illegal sales, trading or storage. The only safe way to enjoy fireworks on Guy Fawkes night is at properly organised display such as the annual spectacle at Glasgow Green.”
In previous years, Glasgow’s Trading Standards officers have found fireworks for sale in hot dog stands; without BS 7114 box markings and stored in such a way that there was an immediate risk to the public. They’ll also be on the lookout this year for illegal fireworks such as bangers and mini rockets which are on the ‘banned’ list.
Background
Traders can sell fireworks for Guy Fawkes from 15 October till 10 November.
The registration scheme means traders must complete a form and submit it to the Council. Those storing below 5kg do not need to register. Those between 5 and 250kg (net mass) must register their premises with the new scheme and those above need to have a licence.
Fireworks can only be sold under the new registration scheme four times a year – Guy Fawkes period, New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali. You also need a licence (as above) to sell outside this period.
Further information on the registration scheme, the licensing system, animal protection legislation, details of who has enforcement power, and what the penalties are for breaking the laws and can be found on the BERR web site at www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks/index.htm
(*Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform)