Shopkeepers warned not to sale fireworks to children

Fizz, pop and bang, fireworks went on sale Friday 16 October.

Bristol shopkeepers are being reminded that it is still illegal to sell fireworks to people under 18 years of age.

The Trading Standards team from Bristol City Council will be visiting shops registered to sell fireworks to remind staff about the law and stop any sales going through with people who cannot prove their age.

Shops should be on the look out too. Under age volunteers will be going around checking that shopkeepers are complying with the law.

Trading Standards Manager Jonathan Martin 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”.

Visits will be a joint initiative co-ordinated by the Safer Bristol Partnership, aiming to educate people about the safe use of fireworks and targeting areas of the city often blighted by their anti-social use.

People are being urged to visit an organised public display and if they do choose to buy fireworks, only use what will safely fit in their garden.

Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety, Cllr Gary Hopkins said “Bonfire Night will be an occasion enjoyed by thousands of people throughout Bristol but it’s important that everyone takes care around fireworks, whether they are at a large organised display or letting off rockets in their back garden.”

“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.”

The Council are reminding people to stick to the Firework Code:

Only buy fireworks marked BS 7114.

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.