Retail trade union Usdaw is urging support for the shopworkers who will have to enforce the Fireworks and Pyrotechnic Articles (Scotland) Act 2022, which comes into force on 10 October.
The legislation makes it a criminal offence for anyone to supply fireworks or other pyrotechnics to anyone under 18. However, statistics shows that age-restricted sales accounting for nearly one-fifth of incidents of violence, threats and abuse against shopworkers.
Tracy Gilbert, Usdaw regional officer for Scotland, said: “Restricting the sale of fireworks to over 18s is a welcome step forward for public safety. We have all been horrified by reports of emergency service workers being attacked by people using fireworks as a weapon and there is no doubt that in the wrong hands they are very dangerous.
“Age-restricted sales are a real minefield for our members. If they make a mistake they are likely to be prosecuted and fined. If they fail to ask for age identification from somebody who looks under-25, they run the risk of being disciplined for not following company policy and for the sale of alcohol that is a legal requirement here in Scotland.
“Asking for age identification can lead to abuse from frustrated and angry customers and a refusal of a sale can be a real flashpoint. Many of our members feel they are damned if they ask for ID and damned if they don’t. Scottish shopworkers deserve far more respect than they receive.”
She added: “We still need employers to make it easier for staff to report attacks and abuse, highlight the legislation to improve confidence, backed up with training, and promote the importance of reporting all incidents. At the same time, we need significant investment in the justice system to ensure victims get the justice they deserve.
“Violence and abuse are not an acceptable part of the job and too many shopworkers suffer all too often. We still need better co-ordination to ensure that retail employers, police and the courts work together to make stores safer and give staff the support and confidence they need, particularly when they are on the frontline of enforcing the law.”
