ACS

In the run up to Bonfire Night the Government is targeting the small minority of irresponsible businesses who flout the law by selling fireworks to under 18s.

Consumer Minister Gareth Thomas said: "Fireworks can do terrible damage in the wrong hands. Retailers and parents must take their responsibilities seriously.

"Our tough laws mean firework sellers who break the law face stiff fines or even prison.

"They must follow the rules and parents should take essential safety precautions so that everyone stays safe and has a great time on bonfire night."

If fireworks do get into the wrong hands the police have strong powers to tackle anti-social behaviour. Anyone over the age of 10 caught misbehaving with fireworks can be given a fixed penalty notice.

Earlier this month Home Office published "Tackling Firework Misuse - A practitioner's guide", which illustrates the powers available to local authorities and police. These include Anti-Social Behaviour Orders, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts and penalty notices for disorder, which can be used to tackle the small minority of people who misuse fireworks.

Tough firework laws mean:

* It is illegal to sell fireworks to under 18s, or for under 18s to possess fireworks in a public place;

* Fireworks that exceed 120 decibels cannot be sold to the general public; and

* Outside specific seasonal periods it is an offence to supply fireworks without a licence.

Across the UK, trading standards teams are targeting those retailers who are suspected of selling fireworks to underage buyers. In one example of trading standards action, all registered firework sellers in Dundee will face undercover purchasing by young volunteers in a bid to tackle underage sales.

Trading Standards Institute chief executive Ron Gainsford said: "Trading standards professionals around the country will be taking action to make sure that fireworks are not sold to under 18s and that retailers are complying with safe storage requirements.

"In particular, we are concerned about unscrupulous traders who sell fireworks from illegal premises such as vans, pub car parks and market stalls."

Useful to know:

• "Tackling Fireworks Misuse - A practitioner's guide" is on the web at http://www.respect.gov.uk/members/default.aspx?id=5982.

• Anyone with information about suspicious activity involving fireworks should report it immediately to Consumer Direct on 08454 040506.

• For more information on firework safety from the Department for Business, visit http://www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks.