With the anniversary of Guy Fawkes’ dastardly deeds approaching, the Council’s Trading Standards service is reminding local people and retailers to deal with fireworks safely and responsibly.
Fireworks are fun and exciting. But they can also be dangerous and cause horrific burns if they are not handled and stored properly.
If you are letting off your own fireworks, always follow the fireworks safety code:
- keep fireworks in a closed box
- follow the instructions on each firework
- light all fireworks at arm’s length
- stand well back
- never go back to a lit firework
- never put fireworks in your pocket or waste containers
- never throw fireworks
- don't use old fireworks
- keep pets indoors.
Recommendations for disposal:
- never put fireworks, even those which are fully spent, on the bonfire
- never dispose of fireworks by burying
- only put fireworks which are fully spent (not misfired or partly spent fireworks) in refuse containers
- soak misfired or partly spent fireworks in a container of water in an area where they cannot be tampered with and contact the manufacturer or supplier for disposal advice.
Bangers and very noisy fireworks are banned and should not be on sale in this country. Other large fireworks are only suitable for public displays and should not be on sale either. So please look after yourself and others and only buy fireworks from a registered or licensed business.
Any trader selling fireworks must, by law, have a valid storage registration or licence to show they are storing and handling fireworks safely. For more information call the Council’s Licensing Service on 01582 546040 or see
www.luton.gov.uk/licensing
Trading Standards will be visiting local retailers to ensure they are complying with safe storage and display requirements. For more information, or to report any retailers who selling fireworks to children, please call the Council’s Trading Standards service on 01582 547262.
It is illegal to sell fireworks to anyone under the age of 18. If retailers have any doubts about a purchaser’s age, they must ask for appropriate proof of age such as passport, photographic driving licence or citizen’s card with a pass hologram. Adults must not buy fireworks for children.
It is a criminal offence to let fireworks off in the street at any time. It is also illegal to let off fireworks at any time before 7am or after 11pm, except on 5 November when the evening time limit is extended to midnight, and Diwali (13 November) and the Chinese New Year (10 February) when the evening time limit is 1.00am. If you have any concerns about fireworks or antisocial behaviour in your area please call the police for advice on 101.
Cllr Mohammed Ashraf, portfolio holder for Trading Standards, said: "We want you to have fun and enjoy fireworks night. But please take care and keep safe."
If you’re looking for an impressive public fireworks presentation, come along to this year’s explosive entertainment on Saturday 3 November in Pope’s Meadow off Old Bedford Road in Luton.
The free event is arranged by Luton Culture’s Watch This Space team. The display will be fired by Shefford based Alchemy Fireworks, with Heart FM’s breakfast presenter and Heart Angels on site to add to the fun.
Fireworks start promptly at 7.30pm and the site will be open from 6.30pm with children’s rides, entertainment and lots of warming refreshments. For more information call 01582 878100.