By KLTV Newsdesk –

Businesses reminded of strict age limits, licensing rules and safety standards ahead of Bonfire Night

As fireworks officially go on sale for the autumn season, West Yorkshire Trading Standards is reminding shop owners of their legal duty to sell responsibly, especially when it comes to age restrictions and safety standards.

While Bonfire Night and seasonal celebrations such as Diwali and Chinese New Year bring families together, the period also sees a rise in antisocial behaviour and firework-related accidents, often involving young people.

Authorities are urging businesses to help prevent this by following the law closely, or face serious penalties.

Who Can Sell and When?

Only retailers with the correct fireworks licence are permitted to sell. A limited number of businesses hold year-round licences, while the majority are only authorised to sell during specific windows, including:

• 15 October to 10 November

• Chinese New Year — on the day and the three preceding it

• Diwali — on the day and the three preceding it

• 26 December to 31 December

Selling outside these dates, or without a valid licence, could result in prosecution.

Fireworks That Are Illegal to Sell to the Public

To protect the public from dangerous misuse, certain types of fireworks are strictly prohibited from general sale. These include:

• Aerial wheels and air bombs

• Shells-in-mortar

• Bangers and mini rockets (including combinations like Chinese Crackers)

• Fireworks with unpredictable movement, such as jumping spinners

• Category 4 professional-grade display fireworks, unless sold to someone with proven specialist knowledge

Retailers caught breaching these rules risk fines of up to £5,000 and even six months in prison.

Advice for Safe and Legal Selling

Trading Standards is asking retailers, and buyers, to take extra care by ensuring:

• Fireworks are only bought from licensed premises, not street sellers, social media traders or van-based vendors.

• All fireworks carry the correct safety markings (BS EN 15947 with CE or UKCA approval).

• Fireworks are sold in their original packaging, not split from selection boxes.

Enforcement Underway

In the lead-up to Bonfire Night, Trading Standards officers will be acting on intelligence to investigate unsafe, banned or illegally sold fireworks.

Joint operations with West Yorkshire Police and Fire & Rescue Service will also target shops or individuals selling to under-18s.

“No Excuse for Retailers Selling to Children”

Cllr Melanie Jones, Chair of the West Yorkshire Joint Services Committee, said: “Businesses have a responsibility to ensure fireworks they sell are safe, and that they are only sold to adults. Selling fireworks to anyone under the age of 18 is illegal.

“Many of the problems caused by fireworks are the result of irresponsible and inconsiderate misuse by children who get hold of them through illicit means, and we want to ensure a safe and enjoyable bonfire season for all.”

Linda Davis, Head of West Yorkshire Trading Standards (Protecting Communities), reinforced the message: “There is no excuse for retailers selling fireworks to children.

“This is a reminder to businesses that the legal minimum age for buying fireworks is 18 and that they must make age verification checks if in any doubt before selling.”

Report Illegal Sales

Anyone wishing to report unsafe fireworks or sales to children can contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Helpline on 0808 223 1133. Reports can be made anonymously.

With just days to go until celebrations begin, Trading Standards is clear: fireworks can be fun — but only when sold and used responsibly.