With fireworks going on sale on in Bristol this week customers are being reminded to only buy fireworks from shops that have been registered to sell them.
“You can ask at the shop to see if they have the correct certificate to legally sell fireworks. Never buy them from vans or door to door salesmen as they will be sold illegally and may be very dangerous” said Sharon Sawyers, Senior Trading Standards Officer for Bristol City Council.
Shopkeepers are also being reminded that it is illegal to sell fireworks to people aged under 18.
Bristol City Council's Trading Standards team are visiting shops that are registered to sell fireworks. They will speak with staff to remind them of the laws, and encourage them not to sell fireworks to anyone who can't prove their age. They are also advising consumers about how to use fireworks safely.
Trading Standards staff are also planning to send under-age volunteers to attempt to buy fireworks to check that shopkeepers are complying with the law.
“More than 1,000 people every year suffer avoidable injuries as a result of misuse of fireworks - many of those injured are young people under the age of 16. They can also cause a hazard and nuisance to their neighbours. It is vital that we can do all we can to prevent unsupervised young people from getting hold of fireworks” said Sharon.
The officers will pay particular attention to firework sales in areas of the city which are often blighted by anti-social behaviour in the days preceding firework night, especially around Halloween.
Sharon Sawyers said “It is vitally important that people know that they should not buy fireworks that are too powerful for their gardens as these can cause serious accidents and nuisance to neighbours. There are three different categories of fireworks that can legally be purchased by consumers and only the appropriate category should be purchased".
People should look at the instructions on the labels which set out the distances needed and only choose those that are safe for the space they have available.
“Our advice is that it's better to spend money on going to a properly organised public display. It will be safer and you'll get more bang for your buck that way!” she said
Firework Code
Only buy fireworks that are marked with BS 7114 or the "CE" mark.
Don’t drink alcohol if setting off fireworks.
Keep fireworks in a closed box.
Follow the instructions on each firework.
Light at arms length, using a taper.
Stand well back.
Never go near a firework that has been lit. Even if it hasn’t gone off, it could still explode.
Never put fireworks in your pocket or throw them.
Always supervise children around fireworks.
Light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves.
Never give sparklers to a child under five.
Keep pets indoors.
