Why are fireworks available all year round?
Under a long-standing voluntary code of practice the firework industry agreed that fireworks should only be sold in the three weeks before 5 November and for a few days afterwards, and for a similar period around New Year. Government, industry and Trading Standards have all reinforced this message to retailers. Under the Fireworks Regulations 2004, we have introduced a requirement that those that supply fireworks outside of traditional and multi-cultural periods will have to apply for a licence to do so. There are strict conditions for eligibility (such as having never been convicted under the Fireworks Act 2003 and Consumer Protection Act 1987) as well as the licence attracting a relatively high fee to enable robust enforcement. Due to come into force on 1 January 2005, it is expected that this regulation will contain the fireworks season (and therefore fireworks use) to within these times, curtailing the creeping expansion of the season.
