Christmas and New Years Eve often provide great opportunities for convenience store retailers to maximise their sales through seasonal products. However, there are a few things retailers should bear in mind during the autumn season. As a helping hand, ACS has produced Assured Advice Guides on ‘Preventing Underage Sales’ and ‘Selling Fireworks’. These guides provide extensive information about the laws and guidelines regarding the sale of some of the products which will be in high demand over the next few weeks.
Some of the essential tips have been picked out below, but the full guides and information about ACS Assured Advice can be found here: http://www.acs.org.uk/advice
Many convenience stores now sell fireworks in the run up to New Year's Eve. Selling fireworks is a highly regulated area, so you will need to know exactly how to store, display and sell them correctly to remain on the right side of the law. 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 you 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. A comprehensive guide containing all you need to know about ‘Selling Fireworks’ can be found here: http://www.acs.org.uk/advice/fireworks/
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.
