Explosives Licence
Legislation and the Council
The Explosives Act 1875 permits the storage of a limited quantity of fireworks/ explosives (5kg) for an unlimited period of time, or the storage of an unlimited quantity of fireworks for up to 14 days prior to their use.
The storage and sale of fireworks known as 'shop goods' from wholesale and retail premises is controlled by the Explosives Acts 1875 to 1976, the Fireworks Act 1951 and the Keeping of Fireworks Order 1959. The Fireworks Regulations 2004 are also applicable from 01 January 2005.
Environmental and Consumer Protection Services has a duty to enforce explosives legislation relating to explosives which requires that premises used to store explosives need to be either licensed or registered with us dependant on the type and amount of explosives stored. The premises are inspected by us to ensure that storage provisions are being complied with.
Fireworks Regulations 2004
The Fireworks Regulations 2004 addresses safety issues including the construction and labelling of fireworks; restrictions on the sale of certain types of fireworks such as bangers, air bombs and mini-rockets; the sale to persons under 18 years old; safe storage; licensing and registration of sellers.
These Regulations have been introduced to help reduce the nuisance and dangers from year round fireworks use and misuse by introducing tighter controls on retailing and purchasing of fireworks.
Fireworks may now only be sold at certain times of the year unless retailers apply for a special separate licence which costs £500. All retailers of fireworks in Poole are still required to register annually with Environmental and Consumer Protection Services if they sell in these periods.
The permitted dates for the sale of fireworks when the special separate licence is not required are:
- From the 15th October to 10th November;
- From 26th December to 31st December;
- The first day of the Chinese New Year and 3 days immediately preceding it; and
- The day of Diwali and the 3 days immediately preceding it.
Why do I need to register with the Council if I sell fireworks?
Before fireworks can be sold or stored the premises used must be registered with us. Conditions apply as to the amount and way fireworks are stored and sold.
Who is registered?
The occupier of the premises should apply for the registration which only applies to one premise, a separate registration is required for each premises used.
How do I apply?
Application forms for explosive registration are available together with the current fee information.
Inspection of Registered Premises
The occupier of registered premises must allow any authorised officer of the Council to inspect the place and receptacles where explosives are kept.
Are there any special requirements for the sale of fireworks?
There are many detailed requirements concerning the sale of explosives and fireworks. Please contact us for further information, particularly if the fireworks do not clearly conform to British Standards.
- It is illegal to sell fireworks to any person under the age of eighteen years.
- Fireworks cannot be sold in the street or in any public place, for example car parks.
- The name and address on any fireworks when received from the manufacturer must not be removed obliterated or altered.
How must I store explosives and fireworks?
There are many detailed requirements concerning safe storage of explosives to protect persons and premises from risk and harm.
All due precautions must be taken to prevent accidents by fire or explosion.
Fire fighting equipment should be available at all times that fireworks are being stored.
There are some guidance notes with the application form or contact us for further information.
Accidents
Whenever an accident occurs by explosion or fire in registered premises, causing loss of life or personal injury, the occupier of the premises must notify the Health and Safety Executive.
Offences and Penalties
- If explosives are kept on non-registered premises or if an offence is committed with respect to the quantity of explosives kept or the method of storage, the appropriate Court may impose, on conviction, a fine and may order the explosives to be forfeited.
- Where a person is found guilty of an offence connected with the safe storage of explosives the Courts may in some circumstances impose an unlimited fine or term of imprisonment.
- A person found guilty of selling fireworks to a person apparently under the age of 18 years may on conviction be fined up to a maximum of £5,000.
Useful Links and further information
- Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Website: www.hse.gov.uk
- Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Website: www.dti.gov.uk
- UK Firework Safety Website: www.fireworksafety.co.uk
- Explosive Industry Group: www.eig.org.uk
- Copies of the legislation mentioned here can be purchased from the Office of Public Sector Information.
- This information is only a brief guide, for further information please contact us.
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