South Glos fireworks shops praised for refusing children

Shops selling fireworks in South Gloucestershire have been praised by Trading Standards officers for refusing to sell them to children.

During an undercover operation, volunteer customers aged 14 and 15 were refused fireworks in 12 different shops.

Officers from South Gloucestershire Council ran the operation on October 31 to check if shops were complying with the law by refusing to sell fireworks to customers aged under 18.

South Gloucestershire councillor Heather Goddard, executive member for communities, said: "I am very happy that the retailers have adhered to legislation governing the sale of fireworks.

"Irresponsible sales of fireworks to young people can cause inconvenience and disruption to residents.

"In some cases, injury and disfigurement can occur if they're misused."

Mark Pullin, Trading Standards manager at the council, said: "I am very pleased with the retailers we have seen in South Gloucestershire.

"They are obviously taking their legal obligations very seriously.

"Trading Standards can provide further information and advice to traders on preventing the sale of age restricted goods to minors.

"It's important to remember that young people often do not understand the dangers linked with improper use of fireworks and do not consider the devastating effects associated with accidents that can occur with their misuse."