Duncan Edwards Statue, Dudley
01384 812345 
Sale of Fireworks
Who can buy fireworks?
Fireworks (except those listed below) must not be supplied to persons under 18. Caps, cracker snaps, novelty matches, party poppers, serpents and throwdowns must not be supplied to persons under 16.
Why can't I get every sort of firework?
The following fireworks must not be supplied to the general public:
- Aerial shells, aerial maroons, shells-in-mortar and maroons-in-mortar
- All bangers (including 'batteries' containing bangers, such as Chinese Crackers)
- Mini-rockets
- Fireworks with erratic flight (e.g. ground spinners, jumping crackers, squibs)
- Some Category 2 and 3 fireworks (as classified by BS 7114) which exceed size limits specified in the Regulations.
- All Category 4 fireworks.
What must I do when selling fireworks?
You must register with West Midlands Fire Service. They will only issue you a registration if you are deemed suitable to sell fireworks. Also you must ensure that:
- Packets of sparklers must carry an additional warning - "Warning: not to be given to children under five years of age."
- Retail boxes of fireworks must not be split.
- All fireworks intended for use by the general public must comply with British Standard BS7114 Part 2: 1988
- All fireworks not suitable (as determined by the Regulations) for use by the general public to bear the warning - "This device must not be sold to, or used by, a member of the general public."
- Keep all fireworks in a dry place
- Label all containers 'Fireworks-Highly Flammable' (and always keep these containers closed)
- Don't allow any smoking anywhere near fireworks being displayed or sold or anywhere inside your shop. It is a legal requirement to display official 'No Smoking' notices at the entrances to your premises.
- Unplug any electrical fitting that is inside a display case containing fireworks
What advice is there on using fireworks?
If you're thinking of organising you own display, our downloadable leaflet (at the bottom of the page) gives some good safety advice. You make also ensure also that you do not cause a noise nuisance to your neighbours.
Remember: It is also an offence to throw or discharge a firework in a street or public place.
Where can I get further advice?
- Our downloadable leaflet found at the bottom of the page.
- The West Midlands Fire Authority website.
- The Home Office "respect" campaign on antisocial behaviour.
© 2005 - 2009 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Council House, Priory Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1HF