Help for businesses and employers

Coronavirus (COVID-19): Support and information for businesses and employers
 

Explosives and fireworks licence

Premises storing explosives (fireworks and flares, airbag inflators) are required to be licensed.

If licensed, fireworks can be sold during the four seasonal occasions:

  • 15 October to 10 November inclusive
  • 26 December to 31 December inclusive
  • on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the 3 days immediately preceding it
  • on the day of Diwali and the 3 days immediately preceding it

Selling outside the above dates without a licence is a criminal offence.

If you'd like to sell fireworks all year round, a further £500 fireworks annual suppliers licence is required.

Before applying for a licence to store fireworks or other pyrotechnic articles, read the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) guidance documents on storing and selling fireworks safely.

Sale of fireworks

There are legal requirements for the sale of fireworks, which include:

  • fireworks may not be sold to any person under the age of 18 years
  • fireworks cannot be sold in the street or in any public place
  • the name and address on any fireworks, when received from the manufacturer, must not be removed or altered
  • the type of fireworks you can sell
  • you must display warning notices in your premises

Find more information on firework sales and storage.

Advice on underage sales

Find more information on avoiding underage sales. 

Page last updated: 16 April 2024

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