Issued By
  Durham Trading
  Standards Service

FIREWORKS SALES IN COUNTY DURHAM

With Bonfire Night rapidly approaching Durham County Council Consumer Services today issue a reminder to both retailers and users of fireworks.

Despite the fact that the number of injuries caused by fireworks decreased by 8% last year, nationally there were still 972 reported injuries in the bonfire night period, of which 50% were sustained by children aged 15 and under.

Officers of the service are carrying out test purchases of fireworks using child volunteers.  Retailers are warned they could be fined up to £5000, jailed for six months or both if they flout the law.

As well as the continued crackdown on underage sales, the service will visit shops to ensure they are registered, storage facilities are adequate and only legal fireworks or those that comply with the relevant British Standard are on sale.

Phillip Holman, Durham County Council's Head of Consumer Services, said:

"Each year we receive complaints about under age sales, and despite constraint warnings some retailers are still prepared to flout the law and sell to children under 18.

Deputy Leader of the Council, Councillor Don Ross said:

"Retailers should realise that selling fireworks  to children under the age of 18 could result in young people and others suffering serious injury. We are determined to play our full part in making our communities safe”.

Anyone who suspects a retailer of selling fireworks to children should contact Consumer Services on telephone number 0191 383 3589.

Note to News Editors

The number of injuries for the 4 week period October - November 2000 was 972.  

In the previous year the figure was 1056.  This represents an 8% reduction.  However there has been a decrease in the sale of fireworks of approximately 30%.

Age Group of Injured Persons