To store fireworks (except for private use) your premises must be registered with the Borough of Poole. Please contact us for advice - see below for details.
If you wish to store a maximum of either:
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30 kgs of Hazard Type 1 or 2 explosives,
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100 kgs of Hazard Type 3 explosives, or
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250 kgs of Hazard Type 4 explosives
then you need to apply to us for Registration.
Most consumer fireworks, shotgun ammunition, marine distress flares etc are Hazard Type 4 explosives. If you are in any doubt consult your supplier
If you wish to store more than the above quantities, up to a maximum of 2000 kgs of any Hazard Type, then you need to apply to us for a Licence.
However, if any of the explosives you wish to store require a Police Certificate under the Control of Explosives Regulations, you will have to apply to Dorset Police on 01202 227616, 227609 or 227613 (Firearms and Licensing Section) for registration or a licence.
To store quantities in excess of 2000 kgs of any Hazard Type you will have to apply to the Health and Safety Executive
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There have been strict controls on the sale and storage of fireworks for many years. The following information is designed to help you comply with the law:
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The supply to the general public of certain powerful fireworks is banned, including:
i) Aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortar and maroons-in-mortar; ii) Fireworks with erratic flight, all bangers, mini-rockets and air bombs.
- The splitting of retail boxes is not permitted.
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Packets of sparklers must carry a warning - “Not to be given to children under 5 years of age”.
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Fireworks intended for public use must comply with BS7114 and be marked as such.
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All fireworks not suitable (as defined in the Regulations) for use by the general public must bear a warning to that effect.
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It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under 18 years of age.
The maximum penalty for selling fireworks to persons under the age of 18 is now a £5,000 fine. Note that the previous defence that the person seemed to be over 18 has been removed. If the buyer is under 18 and you sell fireworks to them, you will be liable to be prosecuted.
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The following maximum amounts are permitted for storage on registered premises. All weights listed in the following paragraphs are net weights of explosives contained in the fireworks.
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Sales Area - 12.5Kg in a small shop, rising to 75Kg in large superstores etc.
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Non-public Areas - 250Kg (less the amount in the sales area) BUT NOTE that in premises which contain or adjoin domestic or sleeping accommodation this is reduced to 75Kg, unless specific constructional requirements are met.
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In areas where the public have access you can keep fireworks in glass showcases, metal containers, wooden boxes, cupboards or drawers, but these must be locked or positioned so that no unauthorised person can reach them. Each container must not contain more than 12.5Kg net weight of explosive. You must not put glass showcases containing fireworks in your shop window.
Fireworks stored elsewhere in the building must be kept in closed fire-resistant containers. The fireworks should be kept in their transport packaging for as long as possible, and only opened when needed.
Any container used for keeping fireworks must not contain other articles.
You and your employees must take due care to prevent unauthorised access to any fireworks and accidents involving fire.
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Keep all passages and stairways clear so that, if a fire should occur, escape is not hampered. See that doors are not obstructed.
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Do not store fireworks in passageways or under stairs.
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Keep water-type fire extinguishers handy and see that they are properly maintained (buckets of water and sand are a useful stand-by).
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Label the containers: ‘Fireworks Highly Flammable’, and keep them closed;
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Keep all fireworks in a dry place;
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Disconnect from the electricity supply any electrical fitting inside a display case while the case is being used for displaying fireworks;
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See that there is no smoking at or near the stands or counters where fireworks are being sold or displayed. Put up ‘NO SMOKING’ notices.
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It is illegal to offer, supply or sell fireworks outside of the following periods:
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First day of Chinese New Year and 3 days prior;
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Diwali and 3 days prior;
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Between 15th October and 10th November;
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Between 26th and 31st December.
Unless you have been granted a special (Fireworks Regulations 2004) licence (by the Trading Standards Service. These Licences cost £500 and can be obtained by contacting the Service as detailed at the bottom of this factsheet.
All retailers must display (publically and prominently) an A3 size notice with minimum print size 16 mm which states:
"It is illegal to sell adult fireworks or sparklers to anyone under the age of eighteen, and
it is illegal for anyone under the age of eighteen to possess adult fireworks in a public place."
This advice is designed to provide basic guidance to traders. It is not a complete or authoritative statement of the law.
For further assistance on this legislation, please email us, telephone us on 01202 261700, or write to us at: Environmental and Consumer Protection Services, Units 1 & 2 New Fields Business Park, Stinsford Road, Poole, Dorset. BH17 0NF.
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