Bristol Trading Standards fireworks campaign sparks off

Posted on Oct 19, 2009

With fireworks going on sale on Friday (16 October), shopkeepers throughout Bristol are 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 will carry out test purchasing using under age volunteers to check that shopkeepers are complying with the law. They are also advising consumers about how to use fireworks safely.

The visits, some of which involve the police and fire service, are part of a joint initiative co-ordinated by the Safer Bristol Partnership which aims to educate people about the safe use of fireworks, while targeting areas of the city which are often blighted by anti-social behaviour in the days preceding firework night, especially around Halloween.

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”.

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. Most city gardens will not be suitable for Category 3 Display Fireworks because of the large amount of space needed to use them safely. Furthermore anyone having their own display should NEVER return to a firework once it has been lit, and remember fireworks and alcohol do not mix.

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!

Cllr Gary Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Environment and Community Safety 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”.

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.