Information for retailers
Legislation is in place affecting the sale and storage of fireworks. If you supply or sell fireworks, you should be aware of your responsibilities and current legislation. Full details for businesses and the general public can be found on the Department for Business, Enterprise & Regulatory Reform (formerly the DTI) website at www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks
Shops have to register or obtain a licence from the Local Authority to be allowed to store fireworks for sale. If they aren't registered or licensed, retailers could be fined up to £5,000 or given a prison sentence of up to six months.
It is illegal for retailers to sell caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns to anyone who is under 16 and to sell all other fireworks to anyone who is under 18.
Retailers must only sell fireworks that conform to British Safety Standards and meet certain noise conditions. They must have BS 7114 printed on the box.
Unless they have a special licence, suppliers must only sell fireworks during the weeks leading up to Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year."
Contact us
Waltham Forest Trading Standards
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
Walthamstow E17 4JF
Email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
Tel 020 8496 3000
