Stone residents are being reminded that firework safety is paramount as the countdown to Bonfire Night begins.
The county council’s trading standards team are working with traders to ensure fireworks are stored safely and registration stickers are displayed. Fireworks should only be bought from registered shops, these will have stickers prominently displayed and will have been visited by the team in the run up to the firework period, and given advice on preventing the sale of fireworks to under-age people.
Staffordshire County Council’s communities leader Gill Heath said: “We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time over the bonfire and firework period. The vast majority of traders are responsible and safe. However fireworks can be lethal and so we need to know about unregistered traders and those who are selling fireworks unlawfully, putting people’s safety at risk. People can ring the national consumer services line for further information.”
It is against the law for fireworks to be sold at a car boot sale, from a vehicle or from a private house. Social media sellers should also be avoided. It is also illegal for fireworks & sparklers to be sold to under 18’s. Should anyone encounter any of infringements, they are encouraged to report them to the national Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 03454 040506.
The vast majority of shops are only licensed to sell fireworks from October 15th until November 10th, and again between December 26th until December 31st. Only specialist traders have year round licenses.
People can find out more information about curfew times, firework sales and other related queries by calling the 03454 040506.
