Beware Banned Bangers

Lincolnshire Trading Standards have issued a warning that banned fireworks may be on sale in the county in the run up to Bonfire Night.

Trading Standards officers are carrying out routine checks on premises selling fireworks, especially temporary retailers, and 8,400 bangers have been removed by officers from a shop in Skegness . The bangers were voluntarily surrendered by the retailer and will now be safely disposed of by Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue.

Bangers have been banned in the UK since 1998 because of the link to anti-social behaviour on the streets.

Tim Dawson, Principal Trading Standards Officer at the county council, said:  “Although at these particular premises, we did not find evidence that the bangers were on display for sale, we had concerns that they could end up back in the supply chain and sold to consumers elsewhere. The sale of bangers is illegal and we will be continuing to carry out checks on retailers.

“Our inspections also make sure that all fireworks for sale conform to the correct British Standards and that counterfeit products are not available to the public. However, members of the public should also check products themselves. Fireworks can be dangerous anyway, but if you buy those not complying with safety standards, you are putting yourself and others at serious risk.”

Firework packaging should be marked BS 7114.

Have a safe Bonfire Night!