Help Stop Illegal Firework
Sales To Children |
31 Oct 2005 |
People in South Tyneside are being urged to report
traders who are illegally selling fireworks to children.
As November Fifth approaches, the Borough's Trading
Standards department have again joined forces with Northumbria
Police and the Tyne and Wear Fire Service in an effort
to stamp out illegal sales and the resulting menace
of firework misuse.
Trading Standards staff are asking for help to identify
anyone selling fireworks from houses, pubs, mobile shops
and car boot sales. They are also on the lookout for
fireworks that do not meet strict safety requirements.
Shops selling fireworks are required to be licensed
by the Fire Brigade, which includes having appropriate
storage. Northumbria Police are also keen to take action
against anyone deliberately and dangerously misusing
fireworks to cause nuisance or risk.
Councillor Michael Clare, South Tyneside's Lead Member
for Neighbourhood Services said: "Fireworks should
never find their way into the hands of children as they
risk serious injury, and misuse causes disruption to
the lives of many within the community. By working together
with our partners and the community at large, we can
make South Tyneside a safer place".
Retailers must ensure they don't sell fireworks to
anyone under 18 and are advised to adopt a 'No ID -
No Sale' approach to prevent illegal sales. They should
ask to see reliable photo ID such as a passport, driving
licence or Citizencard, which has been issued to all
South Tyneside secondary school pupils.
Joint visits involving officers from each service have
already been made to a number of retailers to ensure
compliance with the law. All complaints will be investigated.
The community can play a big part in stamping out illegal
sales to children and in tackling the problems associated
with firework misuse. Trading Standards would welcome
information about suspected illegal sales of fireworks
or any other age-restricted goods, for example, alcohol
and cigarettes.
A dedicated free telephone hotline has been set up
and you can call free on 0800 093 5878. Information
can also be reported via text message. Borough residents
can text UNDERAGE followed by their information and
details to 07786 200802. All calls and text messages
will be handled in confidence.
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