Legislation
- The age limit for buying most fireworks is 18. All sparklers
packets must carry the parental warning: 'Warning: not to be given to children under
five years of age'.
- It is against the law to sell or supply bangers, aerial shells,
mini rockets and some types of bigger roman candles to the public. Some fireworks,
such as party poppers, can be sold to people over 16 years of age.
- It is illegal for shopkeepers to break open retail packets
of fireworks and sell them individually. This is because the instructions are printed
on the packet and not on the individual fireworks. Fireworks for individual sale
do not come in packs.
- It is an offence (punishable by fine) to let fireworks off
in a public place. A public place is anywhere other than your back garden, and includes
streets, parks and playgrounds.
British Standard BS 7114
This is a safety standard setting out specifications and test procedures for fireworks. Fireworks complying with the BS 7114:
- are limited as to the explosive content;
- have recommended safe distances for viewing them; and
- have strict times for how long the fuse will burn to enable people to move out of the way.
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