WITH Halloween upon us local people have been warned to be safely around fireworks.
Parents and retailers are encouraged to act responsibly, comply with the law and use fireworks safely to help reduce firework injuries and ensure Halloween is an enjoyable time for everyone.
The law states that if you wish to purchase, possess or use fireworks, a licence is required. It is an offence to buy or be in possession of fireworks without one.
The Department of Justice must receive applications for fireworks use over the Halloween period no later than Wednesday, October 23rd. The licence fee where there are less than 100 spectators is £30; for 100 to 1,000 spectators is £80 and for more than 1,000 spectators is £160.
Claire Archbold, Director of Safer Communities, DoJ, said: “Fireworks must be purchased from a supplier who has been registered by the Department of Justice. Don’t be tempted to buy from illegal sources as you could face prosecution. Registered retailers should be easily identified as they must display their licence or certificate of registration prominently at the point of sale. It’s important to be aware what young people are doing and to talk to them about the risks of misusing fireworks. Most injuries and incidents could have been avoided if the firework code had been followed. The firework code can be viewed on the nidirect website.”
Licence applications and a list of retailers licensed to sell fireworks are available from www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/fireworks. Application forms are also available by telephoning 0300 200 7881 or directly from a registered retailer.
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