New pyrotechnics (fireworks) legislation has come into force today, making changes to firework retailer’s record keeping practices and displayed signage.

Retailers selling fireworks will now be required to keep a record of who they bought their fireworks from for the last ten years and keep ten years’ records when selling fireworks on to other businesses.

The statutory firework notice currently displayed by retailers will now need to be changed to state: “It is illegal to sell category F2 fireworks or category F3 fireworks to anyone under the age of 18”; and “It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to possess category F2 fireworks or category F3 fireworks in a public place.” Any old notices must now be removed and replaced.

The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 was implemented as part of a new EU directive. The directive imposes new obligations on manufacturers, importers and distributors of pyrotechnic articles.

ACS has previously produced guidance for retailers selling fireworks as part of their Assured Advice scheme. This guidance can be viewed here: http://www.acs.org.uk/advice/fireworks/

More information about The Pyrotechnic Articles (Safety) Regulations 2015 and how it will affect convenience store retailers selling fireworks, can be viewed here: http://www.businesscompanion.info/en/quick-guides/underage-sales/fireworks