Trading Standards ensure that the fireworks that are on sale are safe and legal and that retailers do not supply adult fireworks to under 18s.
Retailers must now display a notice in the premises informing/reminding customers on the law in relation to under age sales and possession.
It is now illegal to sell Air Bombs, Bangers and mini rockets.
The Fireworks Act 2003 makes it an offence for under 18s to possess fireworks in public places and creates a curfew on firework use between 11pm and 7am with the exception of the permitted fireworks nights such as:
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Bonfire night;
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New Years Eve;
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Chinese New Year;
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Diwali (The Hindu Festival of lights).
Retailers in Gateshead wishing to sell fireworks must first register with the Fire Brigade.