The weeks leading up to Halloween and Bonfire Night (5th November) often provide great opportunities for convenience store retailers to maximise their sales through seasonal products. However, there are a few things that retailers should take into consideration during the autumn months. ACS has produced Assured Advice Guides to support retailers with ‘Preventing Underage Sales’ and ‘Selling Fireworks’. These guides detail the laws and guidelines regarding the sale of some of the products which may be in high demand over the next few weeks and months.
Fireworks are popular with consumers in the lead up to events like Bonfire Night. The sale of fireworks is a highly regulated area and the Assured Advice guide provides extensive information about fireworks in terms how to comply with the law when you are storing, displaying and selling them. To store fireworks, you should keep them in their transport boxes sealed with tape and in a dedicated store room or in a fire-resistant store cupboard, container or cabinet. They should be stored in a dry area, away from light fittings, electric supplies and flammable items.
All fireworks carry an age restriction, the vast majority of adult fireworks and sparklers cannot be sold to anyone under the age of 18. ACS recommends that retailers adopt the ‘Challenge 25’ policy when selling fireworks.
You should only stock fireworks that comply with European safety standards and carry the CE mark. In addition, only fireworks which are correctly labelled with the details of the manufacturer and importer can be sold to consumers.
Although there is no legal prohibition on sales of eggs, flour or toilet paper to an underage person, there are times in the year such as around Halloween (31st October) when local police or other community representatives may ask you to limit their sale to under 18s to prevent anti-social behaviour. ACS recommends retailers listen to such requests constructively and accommodate them where possible.
Assured Advice has been developed for convenience store owners by ACS and Bucks/Surrey County Council. By being part of our Assured Advice scheme and following the guidance, your store procedures must be respected by ALL local enforcement officers including environmental health, police and trading standards.
A comprehensive guide containing all you need to know about ‘Selling Fireworks’ can be found here.
The full guides and information about ACS Assured Advice can be found here.
