As Diwali coincides with the fireworks period, it is pertinent to stay safe whilst using fireworks. Fireworks must meet stringent safety standards and the law. The following guidance will provide useful information to stay safe with fireworks:

1. Only buy from licensed sellers

Make sure you buy fireworks from licensed stores and reputable online retailers. Licensed stores will have a responsibility to ensure they meet safety requirements. Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers, from a van or on social media sites. Be aware of rogue traders selling dangerous fireworks.

2. What is the legal age for buying fireworks?

Remember, it is illegal for under 18’s to buy fireworks. The law prohibits the supply of F1 (indoor use low-hazard low-noise – party poppers etc.) fireworks to any person under 16.

An exception is made for Christmas crackers, which must not be supplied to any person under 12. Caps for toy guns are exempt from fireworks legislation.

3. Check the packaging

Check the packaging on any fireworks you buy to make sure it has all the safety warnings, and that it carries the CE or UKCA mark, which show a firework has been assessed as safe to be sold.

4. Follow the instructions

Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box, so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework. Once any debris has cooled down, tidy up and soak it in water overnight, then put it in a rubbish bag and in the bin.

5. Understand what fireworks you can use as a consumer

Category F1, F2 and F3 fireworks are for public sale. A consumer firework will fall into either category F2 or F3 depending on how much of a safety distance it requires. Check you have enough space to safely use a firework before you buy it. Category information can be found on the label. Category F4 fireworks are only for pyrotechnic professionals.

6. What are firework curfew dates?

Let the fireworks off on traditional celebration dates and adhere to the fireworks curfew. People are more likely to plan to protect pets and other animals if fireworks are let off on traditional dates.

The fireworks curfew is midnight on Fireworks Night, 1am on Diwali, New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year, and 11pm the rest of the year.

7. What are the legal selling periods?

It is only legal to sell fireworks, including sparklers, from licensed sellers for private use on these dates:

• 15 October to 10 November
• 26 to 31 December
• Three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year

8. Organised firework displays

There are many organised displays that take place around the country so attending one near you will be safer for you and your family, as well as being less disruptive to your neighbours who may be elderly or have nervous pets.

9. Labelling requirements for licensed retailers

The labelling on packets of sparklers must carry the words: ‘Warning: not to be given to children under five years of age’.

Where F2 and F3 fireworks are supplied or exposed for supply in any premises, an A3 size notice must be displayed in a prominent position in those premises, giving the following information:

IT IS ILLEGAL TO SELL CATEGORY F2 FIREWORKS OR CATEGORY F3 FIREWORKS TO ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18

IT IS ILLEGAL FOR ANYONE UNDER THE AGE OF 18 TO POSSESS CATEGORY F2 FIREWORKS OR CATEGORY F3 FIREWORKS IN A PUBLIC PLACE

10. How can licensed retailers stay within the law?

To ensure you keep within the law you should introduce an age verification policy and have effective systems to prevent an underage supply. Key best practice features of an effective system include the following:

• Age verification checks
• Operate a Challenge 25 policy
• Conduct regular staff training
• Maintain a refusals log
• Store and product layout – keep out of reach
• Have a till-prompts EPoS system
• Have warnings and signage
• Have CCTV as a deterrent

Please note

This information is intended for guidance; only the courts can give an authoritative interpretation of the law.