Fireworks

The Office enforces the legislation which makes it illegal for young people under the age of 18 to purchase fireworks or for suppliers to sell to them - the penalties for both supplier and purchaser are severe. The Office is also responsible for the enforcement of safe storage of fireworks at retail premises.

If you have problems proving that you are the correct age to buy age restricted goods an 18+ Proof of Age Card is available.

Although the Office has no responsibility in law for ensuring the safe use of fireworks it works with other agencies such as the Police and Fire Service to promote the safety message.

Each year the Office and its partners support the UK Department for Business, Innovation and Skills’ Fireworks Safety Campaign. The joint agencies ensure that media campaigns are put in place to promote the safe use of fireworks. A further source of information can be found at www.fireworksafety.co.uk.

The Office’s advice to consumers is to only buy from local retailers and to check that all fireworks they buy are marked with the British Standard (BS) 7114. As it is an offence for retailers to split boxes of fireworks consumers are also asked to report the matter to the Office if they are offered fireworks from split boxes.