Joe Benton Mp Welcomes Tightening Up Rules On Fireworks Safety
Proposals by the Government to curb firework louts terrorising communities have been welcomed by Bootle MP, Joe Benton.
The new regulations are designed to make it harder for under 18s to get hold of fireworks and ban the supply of those that cause the most nuisance on streets and housing estates.
They will
- tighten the definition of and prohibit the supply of air bombs;
- tighten the definition of and prohibit the supply of mini rockets;
- strengthen retailers' obligation to check if a customer is over 18.
This will mean that if there is any doubt about the customer's age, retailers should ask for proof, as is the case with cigarettes and alcohol.
Welcoming the 12-week consultation period Joe Benton MP said:
"I welcome these proposals which are all aimed at improving consumer safety and ensuring that fireworks are fun but do not get into the wrong hands.
"Air bombs are a cheap 'pocket money' firework. The industry took the initiative to remove these products from the market and we are honouring our undertaking at the time to turn the voluntary ban into law.
"By making it harder for under 18s to get hold of them and other fireworks, we are continuing to tackle the issue of firework safety and their anti social use - stopping young people being a danger to themselves and others."
The firework industry and enforcement agencies have worked closely with the DTI on these plans.
The proposals will amend the Firework (Safety) (Amendment) Regulations 1997, which are made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987 and should come into force in late Spring.
