Inspections carried out by Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team have revealed that no shops in the town are prepared to sell fireworks outside the legally permitted dates.
Since 1st January 2005, it has been an offence for any premises to sell fireworks outside of these specific dates:
* 15th October to 10th November
* 26th to 31st December
* The first day of Chinese New Year and the three days before
* The first day of Diwali and the three days before
The promising news came as Trading Standards South East (TSSE) worked alongside 15 local authorities, including Slough, to find out if retailers were prepared to sell fireworks during the period 12th to 16th November 2007.
Out of the 22 premises in Slough, which are registered to store fireworks, none were prepared to sell them. There is one shop that is licensed to sell fireworks all year around.
The maximum fine for selling anyone fireworks outside the specified times is £5,000 and/or six months imprisonment.
Russell Clarke, technical enforcement officer for Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team, said: “This is very good news for Slough and we are continuing to work to ensure retailers comply with all relevant laws and regulations.
“The result of this project goes to show that our policy of 100 per cent inspections of firework retailers and the information available for when you can sell fireworks, has given out a clear message.”
Commissioner for Slough public protection, Cllr John Edwards, said: “This is a very positive result for the retailers involved and they should feel pleased.
“Inspections of this kind are on going and the council is committed to ensuring laws are abided by for the safety of our residents.”
Slough Borough Council
