What is a Fireworks Licence?
Under the explosive regulations, a valid fireworks licence is needed to buy, possess and use certain types of fireworks.
When can I sell fireworks?
You are allowed to store fireworks all year round but can only sell fireworks at the following specified periods of the year:
In order to obtain a Firework Licence, you will need to know:
from 15 October - 10 November inclusive
on the day of Diwali and the 3 days before
on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the 3 days before
from 26 - 31 December inclusive
If you are selling fireworks outside the following permitted periods of sale you will need an additional licence under The Fireworks Regulations 2004.
How to apply for a Fireworks Licence
How to apply for a Fireworks licence?
Fireworks Licences must be made via your local council. You can find the contact details for your local council at the Official UK Government Website.
In order to obtain a Firework Licence, you will need to know:
the types of explosive
the total amount of explosive being kept
whether your storage arrangements satisfy any separation distances required to be maintained
Penalties and fines
If you store fireworks and you are not registered or licensed, you could be fined up to £5,000 or given a prison sentence of up to six months.
Firework safety code
If you are thinking of using fireworks as part of a celebration, you should follow these safety steps:
only buy fireworks marked with a CE mark – this shows that the firework meets European safety standards which all fireworks must meet - a reputable shop will know this
don’t drink alcohol if you’re setting off fireworks
store fireworks in a closed, metal box and take out one at a time
keep a bucket of water nearby
follow the instructions on each firework – read by torchlight, don't use a naked flame
light fireworks at arm’s length, using the taper provided
make sure everyone stands well back
don't go back to a firework that is lit - even if it hasn’t gone off it could still explode
don't put fireworks in your pocket
don't throw fireworks
always supervise children around fireworks, don't give sparklers to a child under five
light sparklers one at a time and wear gloves
keep pets indoors
don’t set off fireworks late at night
take care around open flames such as bonfires and barbecues - all clothes, even those labelled ‘low flammability’, can catch fire
