THE council’s trading standards team regularly conduct operations to ensure local traders are not selling alcohol, cigarettes and other age-restricted products to children.
In the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night on 5th November, the team focus their attention on the sale and safe storage of fireworks and they would like the help of residents to identify local traders who may be selling fireworks to those under the age of 18 or who may be selling fireworks illegally.
If you suspect a trader may be selling fireworks to under 18s, or if you see someone selling fireworks from a market stall or van, please report your concerns to trading standards immediately. You can contact the team by emailing [email protected]
This is one of the only times that an individual can purchase explosive devices over the counter, personally i feel that these should only be allowed to be sold to licensed event organizers and not to anyone over the age of 18.
The explosives can and do cause injury and distress to many by irresponsible adults (and I use that term loosely) who seem to take a careless attitude to where and when they ignite these devices, it now seems that the firework season runs from mid Oct right through to, in some instances, new year.
It is time for clear legislation on the sale of these devices.