Firework Licences

The storage and sale of fireworks is controlled.  No person may store or sell fireworks unless the occupier of the premises has registered, or licensed, those premises with their local authority.

Regulation

• Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005

Apply

• Register with the Council (PDF, 124KB) if you intend to to store up to 250 kilograms of fireworks
• Apply for a licence (PDF, 84KB) with the Council if you intend to store up to 2 tonnes of fireworks or to store fireworks outside the regulation dates listed below.
• Application form for the registration or licence of explosives (and fireworks) (PDF, 153KB)

Guidance

• Storing and retailing fireworks (PDF, 129KB)
• Risk assessment guidance (PDF, 139KB)
• Storing hazard type 4 pyrotechnics (PDF, 102KB)
• Separation distances for Hazard Type 3 explosives (PDF, 58KB)
• Separation distances for Hazard Type 4 explosives (PDF, 78KB)
• Amount of pyrotechnic articles which may be kept in sales areas in relation to registration and floor area (PDF, 57KB)

Fees

• Fees for Safety Licences schedule (PDF, 108KB)

Application Evaluation Process

Generally, you can only sell fireworks to the public during the following periods:

• 15 October to 10 November
• 26 December to 31 December
• on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it, and
• on the day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it.

There are legal requirements for the sale of fireworks. These include the following.

• Fireworks may not be sold to any person apparently under the age of 18 years. See our Underage sales - fireworks page 
• Fireworks cannot be sold in the street or in any public place.
• The name and address on any fireworks, when received from the manufacturer, must not be removed or altered.
• Bengal matches are not fireworks and must not be kept with fireworks.
• Amorces (paper caps), throwdowns and sparklers are fireworks and must be sold and stored as such.

There are also prescribed methods for the storage of fireworks.  You should contact us on the details below for further informaiton.

Offences and Penalties

If explosives are kept on non-registered premises, or too great a quantity of explosives is kept, or the method of storage is inappropriate, a Court may fine you £5,000 or more. The explosives may also be confiscated.

If you are found guilty of an offence connected with the safe storage of explosives, the Court may in some circumstances impose an unlimited fine or term of imprisonment.

A person found guilty of selling fireworks to a person apparently under the age of 18 years may on conviction be fined up to £5,000.

Other Useful Organisations

• Health & safety Executive HSE
• Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform DTI