Clampdown on unlawful firework sales

Nov 4 2008 by Neil Atkinson, Huddersfield Daily Examiner

POLICE and consumer watchdogs have raided shops selling illegal fireworks in West Yorkshire.

And they recovered “air bombs” which were banned in this country four years ago.

The joint inspections targeted retailers with a history of non compliance with fireworks legislation or at retailers in areas where anti social use of fireworks had been reported.

Officers visited shops and importers to remind them of their legal responsibilities, which include not selling fireworks to people under 18 and only selling fireworks that comply with British Safety Standards.

During the inspections officers discovered and removed from sale significant quantities of “mini” rockets and air bombs.

They also confiscated single fireworks, where retailers had been splitting packs, which is also illegal.

A Trading Standards spokesman said: “We will investigate all complaints regarding sales of fireworks to under-18s.’’