Fireworks trade loses its spark

Oct 30 2009 by Stuart Wilson

IT’S that time of the year when our skies go bang.

Guy Fawkes Night is almost upon us – and traders are hoping for boom time at the tills.

But authorities reckon this year could be a quiet one and blame the recession for explosives going out of fashion.

Officers from South Ayrshire Trading Standards have been running the rule over shops selling fireworks.

And they reckon fewer stores are taking the step of stocking the item that was once a must-have.

Fiona Docherty, of Trading Standards, revealed: “I’d probably say it’s a dying trade because it used to be much busier for us and we had a lot more shops to visit.

“Last year, for example, we did 18 visits – and this year it’s down to just 12.

“I definitely think the recession is playing a big part, because you look at the price of fireworks and it’s very hard to expect people to shell out that amount of money.

“But we still have places selling them, so our job is to make sure the safety aspect is up to scratch.”

That means Fiona and her team drop by stores like Morrisons in Ayr to check they pass the test.

Selling explosives is a serious game – and everyone treats the job accordingly.

Jim Moir, store manager at Morrisons, said: “We prepare staff for selling fireworks by training them on a separate course.

“It’s vital they know what they’re selling to the customers and are aware of the rules and regulations.

“At any one time you’re only allowed 12.5kg on display in the cabinet at the front of the shop, so the staff have to be aware of that when replacing any item they may have sold.”

Police also play a key role on the front line of firework safety and say their main concern is explosives falling into the wrong hands.

PC Mark Green, of Ayr police, revealed: “Our role is trying to ensure that under 18s are not sold fireworks.

“A big problem is that they can be legitimately sold and then be passed on to the wrong hands.

“In fairness to traders, they’re becoming a lot more responsible in how they handle things.

“And we’ve also noticed a drop in our call level to incidents. So far this year it’s been pretty low, but it’s always a busier time of the year for us.”

South Ayrshire councillor Peter Convery added: “Trading Standards have organised inspections in conjunction with Strathclyde Police for a number of years now, ensuring that all firework suppliers are registered or licensed as appropriate and that their fireworks are stored safely.

“The result of this joint working ensures a safe working environment for traders, their employees and their customers.

“As well as safe storage, we are advising retailers on the requirements in relation to the age restriction of fireworks.

“A ‘no proof, no sale’ policy is the only way to avoid sales to persons under the legal limit of 18.

“To ensure this, we are issuing guidance to shopkeepers on how to prevent such sales.

“By working with businesses we would hope to prevent any sales to underage persons. We know how much our local communities enjoy fireworks on November 5, and we can help ensure that a fun and safe evening is had by all.”