Fireworks - Information for Retailers

Fireworks are explosives and potentially very dangerous. In addition to possible injury, general misuse can also cause misery to residents, pets and wild animals. If you would like further information on Fireworks then please see the Fireworks page.

There are restrictions on the storage of fireworks, as well as the types of fireworks that you may sell and to whom you may sell them. Details of these restrictions are set out below. Failure to meet these requirements may render you liable to prosecution.

It is illegal to sell adult fireworks (which includes sparklers) to anybody under the age of eighteen and caps, cracker snaps, indoor fireworks, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to persons under sixteen. It is the retailer’s responsibility to determine the age of the potential buyer and the Service advises that the Challenge 21 approach is followed. Trading Standards carry out test purchase operations working with underage child volunteers to test compliance with the age restriction and will react to any intelligence alleging illegal sales to children.

A notice of at least A3 size, with letters of no less than 16mm high must be displayed in a prominent position at the point of sale, stating that:

There are four categories of fireworks.

These three categories are designated as suitable for supply to the general public.

All fireworks sold to the British public must be marked as complying with British Standard BS7114 and meet certain noise conditions.

Retail boxes of fireworks must not be broken down for sale.

Retailers can sell fireworks without a licence during permitted periods (see below) if they hold a storage registration or storage licence. However, a licence is required for sales outside of these periods and this licence is in addition to the registration or licence required for the storage of fireworks. The cost of a suppliers licence is set at £500. Please contact us if you require an application form.

Permitted periods this year are:

You must be registered or obtain a licence to store fireworks, and pay the appropriate fee. The quantity of explosives stored will generally determine whether a registration or licence is required. Officers are likely to make visits to premises to ensure that storage is appropriate and safe.  

For further advice or information regarding the sale and storage of fireworks within Leicestershire, please contact our Business Advice Line: (0116) 305 8000