Archive Trading Standards Press Release

01.11.05

New Firework Laws Help Wrexham Trading Standards Get Tough

Trading standards officers in Wrexham are marking the 400th anniversary of the Gunpowder Plot with new powers to launch a tough crackdown on illegal firework sales.

Andy Lewis Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer is  asking the public to help them root out illegal firework sales by calling the Wrexham Trading Standards Service on 01978 292045 or  Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06.

This is the first Guy Fawkes' night that trading standards services are armed with new powers introduced by the Government after campaigning by the Trading Standards Institute and other supporters for stronger regulation of firework sales.

These aim to help stamp out illegal sales, which often link to anti-social firework use, as well as introducing new rules on storage for traders and use of fireworks.

The new powers cover fireworks sold to the general public and include:

• Retailers can now sell fireworks only in designated periods - to sell outside these needs a special licence and storage facilities (see editors notes)
• Firework curfews - use of fireworks by the general public is banned between 11pm and 7am with the main exceptions of 5 November and 31 December /1 January (see editors notes)
• Under 18s are banned from possessing garden and display fireworks in a public place
• A ban on excessively loud fireworks (more than 120 decibels)
• Traders must show licences or storage certificates when buying more than 50kg of stock
• Traders must display in store notices about under-age sales and possession of fireworks in public
• Trading standards can refuse applications for licences if premises or the applicant is unfit - this could for example take account of any previous conviction for under-age sales or storage facilities
• New import controls to help track how fireworks are distributed

Mr Lewis comments "We have been asking for these powers for some time. There introduction  complements the existing safety standards for fireworks and laws banning firework sales to under-18s."

He adds "Anyone who sees anything they suspect breaks laws on firework sales such as under-age sales, illegal sellers or inappropriate storage, should contact Wrexham Trading Standards on 01978 292045  or Consumer Direct Wales on 08454 04 05 06.

"With the public's help, we can now more effectively track and prosecute those who continue to illegally sell fireworks, particularly to under-18s or through the black economy - street hawkers, pub sellers or car boot sales.

"There is a direct link between illicit sales and anti-social use of fireworks, particularly late at night, that is a nuisance to so many local communities.

North Wales Police  will enforce any issues surrounding anti-social use, such as setting off fireworks in the street or outside the curfew periods

Mr Lewis concludes "We want people to enjoy bonfire night but with 1,160 injuries caused by fireworks in the UK over Bonfire Night period in 2004, the need for firework safety, which starts with the consumer at the point of sale, is clearly as great as ever."

NOTES

Under the Firework Regulations 2004 and the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005:

No person shall use adult fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except from:

• 11pm to midnight on 5 November
• 11pm on 31 December  and 1am on 1 January
• The first day of Chinese New Year, from 11pm to 1am the following day
• The first day of Diwali, from 11pm to 1am the following day

Sales of fireworks are allowed only between:

• 15  October to 10 November
• 26 December to 31 December
• The first day of Chinese New Year and the three days preceding this
• The day of Diwali and the three days preceding this

Any sale of fireworks during these periods requires registration and if a trader wishes to sell outside these periods, it requires a special licence.

For further information contact Senior Trading standards Officer - Commerce 01978 292045.