The Association of Convenience Stores is reminding convenience retailers to ensure that they are aware of the rules and guidelines that apply to the sale and storage of fireworks.
Retailers must apply for permission to store fireworks from their local trading standards service or fire authority. If permission to store fireworks is granted, then fireworks can be sold within the following dates:
- Between 15 October and 10 November.
- Diwali (4 November) and three days prior.
- Between 26 and 31 December.
- First day of Chinese New Year (1 February 2022) and three days prior.
Adult fireworks should not be sold to anyone under the age of 18, this includes all fireworks, except party poppers, throwdowns, caps, and novelty matches. ACS recommends that retailers adopt the ‘Challenge 25’ policy when selling fireworks.
In addition, new and existing staff must be properly trained and regularly updated on how to sell fireworks.
ACS has produced Assured Advice Guides to support retailers with ‘Preventing Underage Sales’ and ‘Selling Fireworks’. These guides detail the laws and guidelines regarding the sale of some of the products which may be in high demand over the next few weeks and months. The Assured Advice Guides are available here.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards’ campaign for the 2021 fireworks season also includes guidance on how to purchase and use fireworks responsibly and considerately. More information is available here.
