Local traders warned that action will be taken over the illegal sales of fireworks

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Local traders warned that action will be taken over the illegal sale of fireworks

A Renfrewshire shop has become the first trader in Scotland to be convicted for the illegal sale of fireworks, sending out a strong message to other traders that those breaking the law will be caught.

Renfrewshire Council, Strathclyde Police and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue Service will be joining forces once again this year as part of the Renfrewshire’s ‘Fireworks Be safe, not sorry’ campaign to target local retailers over the illegal sale of fireworks.

Police,fire and trading standards officers will be visiting all fireworks retailers in Renfrewshire over the next few weeks to make sure firework storage legislation is being complied with. They will also check that they have the age restriction notice clearly on display in their shop and that they are not selling fireworks to persons under the age of 18. The key organisations involved in the safety campaign are keen to stress that any trader found breaching the laws on the sale of fireworks will face the strictest of penalties. This can be anything up to a fine of £5000 and/or up to six months imprisonment for the failure to display the age restriction notice and or prosecution for sale of fireworks to anyone under 18 years. Any member of the public who has any information concerning the illegal sale or misuse of fireworks should telephone in confidence to Strathclyde Police on 0141 532 5900, Renfrewshire Council trading standards service on 0141 8403184 or Crime Stoppers 0800 555 111 all anonymously.

Councillor Anne Hall, Renfrewshire Council’s spokesperson for community safety, said: “Renfrewshire Council takes the safety of its residents very seriously. We want to make sure that people are fully educated over the sale of fireworks and that fireworks do not get into the wrong hands. Fireworks are too dangerous an issue to ignore. We want to make sure that everyone gets the message that we will be out this year watching traders and anyone selling fireworks to underage persons will be caught and dealt with using the strongest penalties possible.”

Chief Superintendent Johnny Gwynne, Strathclyde Police added: "This strategy builds on previous effective joint working between agencies and promotes the safe and legitimate use of fireworks. Fireworks can be extremely dangerous, especially when they are in the hands of children. We want traders to act responsibly when selling fireworks ensuring that they sell only to customers that can prove that they are 18 years or over. In this way we can again reduce the nuisance caused by some individuals, and the harm that they often do to themselves and others."

Traders who want to register to sell fireworks, apply for a fireworks registration/licence or seek advice on the legislation regarding the sale of fireworks should contact Renfrewshire Council's trading standards service on 0141 840 3184.

Press Release: Friday 13 October 2006