Working closely with the retail trade, officers aim to make sure that the timescales, storage criteria, and selling restrictions are adhered to through a combination of education, engagement and if necessary, enforcement. 

Councillor Robert Brown, Chair of the Community and Enterprise Resources Committee, said: “In most cases, retailers take a responsible stance to storing and selling fireworks and we very much welcome that. However, at this time of year, in particular, Trading Standards have a vital role in ensuring that the legislation on how to store fireworks, the timescales in which they can be sold, and who they can be sold to is fully complied with. 

“The potential for anti-social behaviour, and indeed, serious injury, is huge when dangerous explosives fall into the wrong hands. Our approach is about putting safety first while allowing all our residents to enjoy this time of the year without accident or incident, whether they choose to take part or not.” 

Fewer than 40 premises are now registered to sell fireworks in South Lanarkshire – down more than 30% from three years ago. 

There are a number of regulations around the sale and use of fireworks, and there are only four times each year when registered traders can legally sell them:

• 5 November – three weeks before and five days after 
• New Year: 26-31 December  
• Chinese New Year – four days before and including the day itself – usually late January/early February 
• Diwali – late October