Fireworks licence
If you want to store or sell fireworks in South Lanarkshire, you must have a valid fireworks licence. All licences expire on 30 September.
We will not write to remind you that the licence is about to expire. It will be your responsibility to apply if you intend to store/sell fireworks.
When to apply
Please send your renewal application before 30 September. If we receive your application after this date, we will treat it as a new application, which has a higher fee.
Seasonal demand is high in the run‑up to Bonfire Night. If you apply after 17 September, we may not be able to process your licence until after 5 November.
We aim to process applications as quickly as possible. Please wait 28 days before contacting us for an update.
First‑time applications
If you are applying for the first time, or applying for new premises, your application will include:
- a criminal record check carried out by Police Scotland
- a fire safety audit by the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service
You must also own, lease or have another formal agreement for the premises where you plan to store fireworks. We will ask for evidence as part of your application.
Storage limits
If you plan to store more than 2,000kg of Net Explosive Content (NEC), you must apply to the Health and Safety Executive instead of us.
Legal responsibilities
You must hold a valid licence and follow all storage rules. If you do not, you may face prosecution, a fine of up to £20,000, and possibly a prison sentence.
How to apply
To apply for a storage licence, complete the Application for a Storage Licence and send it with your application fee payment. You can submit your form by email or post.
Email your completed application and proof of payment to business.enquiries@southlanarkshire.gov.uk
Or post your completed application and cheque to:
Consumer and Trading Standards
Brandon Gate (First Floor)
1 Leechlee Road
Hamilton
ML3 0XB
Your application will only be considered once the application fee payment has been received.
Payment options
You can pay by:
- Cheque – make it payable to South Lanarkshire Council
- BACS – Call 0303 123 1015 or email business.enquiries@southlanarkshire.gov.uk to request BACS information.
We cannot accept cash or card payments at this office.
How much it costs
The Health and Safety Executive sets all storage licence fees.
Most people apply for a one‑year licence. Licences for up to five years can be requested, but they are not automatic. We assess multi‑year applications individually.
If you want to apply for a licence that lasts more than one year, please contact us before sending your form so we can advise you.
All Fireworks licences in South Lanarkshire expire on 30 September. We will not write to remind you that the licence is about to expire. It will be your responsibility to apply if you intend to store/sell fireworks.
All applications for renewals must be received before 30 September or they will be treated as a new application which has a higher fee. Applications received after 30 September may not be processed in time to allow you to sell fireworks from the first permitted date of 15 October.
Between 5kg and 250kg of fireworks or explosives
| Period | New licence 2025-26 | Renewal 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | £119 | £59 |
| 2 years | £154 | £94 |
| 3 years | £190 | £132 |
| 4 years | £226 | £166 |
| 5 years | £260 | £202 |
Over 250kg of fireworks or explosives
| Period | New licence 2025-26 | Renewal 2025-26 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 year | £202 | £94 |
| 2 years | £266 | £161 |
| 3 years | £333 | £226 |
| 4 years | £409 | £291 |
| 5 years | £463 | £357 |
How the application is dealt with
Once we receive your application, we check your form and arrange a visit to your premises by a Trading Standards Officer. This visit helps us confirm that your building is suitable for storing fireworks and that you meet the legal requirements.
We may refuse or revoke a licence if you, your premises or your storage arrangements are not suitable, or if you have previous relevant offences. If your application is unsuccessful, we cannot refund your licence application fee.
Can anyone object?
No. Consumer and Trading Standards assess all applications. We issue the licence if everything is in order and raise any concerns directly with you.
Firework types and explosive content
Fireworks fall into two main hazard types:
- HT4 – the standard fireworks sold to the public
- HT3 – a higher‑risk type, often used for small displays
Storage rules are based on the Net Explosive Content (NEC) of the fireworks. This is the amount of explosive material inside the firework, not the weight of the whole device.
For most retailers, we strongly recommend storing only HT4 fireworks. Storing HT3 fireworks can cause difficulties because even a small NEC may require your shop to be set far back from nearby buildings, footpaths or roads. If you store a mix of HT3 and HT4, the total amount will be treated as HT3 when calculating separation distances. If your storage requires separation distances, the licence fee will be higher.
Storage limits
The maximum amount of HT4 fireworks you can store without separation distances is 250kg NEC. If your premises are attached to a home, the limit reduces to 75kg.
Take time to think about the stock you actually need. You can restock during the season, so there is no need to apply for more than you plan to store at one time.
Storage and signage
You must display the latest statutory fireworks notice in your premises. The Health and Safety Executive updates this notice when needed, and your fireworks supplier should be able to give you the most recent version each year.
Most retailers store fireworks safely, and Trading Standards are happy to give advice during visits. However, we have seen some unsafe storage practices. We record these incidents and consider them when you apply for future licences.
Appeal
If we refuse your application, we will explain the reasons and tell you how you can appeal. Please note that application fees are non‑refundable, even if your licence is refused or revoked.
When you can sell fireworks
Unless you hold an all‑year supply licence, you can only sell F2 and F3 fireworks during the following dates:
- 15 October to 10 November
- 26 December to 31 December
- the first day of Chinese New Year and the three days before it
- the first day of Diwali and the three days before it
If you want to sell fireworks outside these periods, you must apply to your local authority for an all‑year supply licence. This licence costs £500.
Storing and selling fireworks safely
For full safety guidance, please see the following Health and Safety Executive resources:
- Fireworks
- Storing and Selling Fireworks Safely
- Fireworks in shops – Retailers' Risk Assessment Checklist
- Explosive Regulations 2014 – Fireworks in Retail Premises
The Scottish Government also provides helpful guidance. In addition, the Business Companion guide on the storage and supply of fireworks has been updated to include Scottish requirements.
Business enquiries
Email: Business enquiries