Remember, remember – the law this November

Thursday, November 2 2006

With November 5 fast approaching, Scottish Borders Council is reminding Bonfire Night revellers about the laws aimed at preventing accidents and disturbance from fireworks parties.

It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to buy fireworks, set them off in public or be in possession of fireworks in a public place.
Shopkeepers who sell fireworks to under-18s face fines of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. They must display notices in their shop windows to say that they will not sell to under-18s.
All premises selling fireworks in the Borders must be registered or licensed by Scottish Borders Council.
Only fireworks that comply with British Standard 7144 can be sold to the public.
It is illegal to set off fireworks after 1am on Bonfire Night - 5 November. On other nights of the year, the deadline is 11pm. Exceptions include Hogmanay, Chinese New Year and Diwali, when the curfew is extended to 1am.

Lothian &Borders Fire and Rescue Service attended 198 bonfire and firework incidents last year in the week leading up to November 5.

According to Scottish Borders Council’s Trading Standards Department, 1,136 injuries were reported from fireworks in Britain in 2003, up 12 per cent up on 2002 when two people died in fireworks accidents.

Many fireworks injuries involve horrible burns and permanent disfigurement. The most dangerous devices are rockets and sparklers, which appear harmless but which burn at a temperature of 2,000 degrees centigrade and can cause serious injuries, especially to small children who might be tempted to play with them.

Trading Standard Officers are the authority that enforces the selling and storage of fireworks.

Community Safety Officers from the Lothian & Borders Fire & Rescue Service carry out joint inspections and visit schools to spread firework safety messages
Lothian & Borders Police assist in joint visits to both smaller commercial premises and local schools and ensure the safe use of fireworks in public areas.

For more information, please contact SBC Trading Standards - John Lafferty or Rob Hall on 01896 823922 .

Reference: News-17939, Contact the Author