From 15 October, fireworks will go on sale to the general public. As usual, it’s expected that people will risk their lives—and possibly the lives of others—buying fireworks for their own use and even worse, buying fireworks from rogue traders.
Since 2001, Glasgow City Council has been calling on the UK government for a total ban on sales of fireworks to the public. But until that happens, Environmental Protection Services staff will do their best to make sure traders operating within the government’s new registration system do so legally to help reduce anti social behaviour and accidents.
Traders can sell fireworks for Guy Fawkes Night from 15 October till 10 November. They must store them safely, securely and not sell to under 18s—test purchasing will be part of enforcement activity. Shops must display a prominent notice on the premises about under age sales.
Council staff have been trawling through the applications to register—over 100 at present as well as visiting premises to make sure all is in order.
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 now on the ‘banned’ list.
Councillor David Stevenson, Executive Member for Environmental Protection Services said: “Year after year far too many people in our communities are put in a serious state of fear—animals too suffer terribly. Many of these fireworks are obtained illegally, set off dangerously and thrown by thugs set on causing as much harm as possible to people and property.
“The Council organises one of the best fireworks events in the country at Glasgow Green. I urge you not to waste money and risk lives buying your own.”
The Council advises anyone who thinks there are illegal sales of fireworks taking place should call 0141 287 6681.
The new 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 new 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 DTI web site at
www.dti.gov.uk/fireworks/index.htm Original news release at glasgow.gov.uk
i barely go out after dark until well into november because of neds and fireworks
