Fireworks licence

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. 

In order for us to process any application for a fireworks storage licence (new or renewal application) in time to allow you to sell fireworks from the first permitted date of 15 October, your application must be received by 17 September, otherwise, we cannot guarantee that we will have adequate time or resources to assess your application and as such, you may not obtain your licence timeously.

Failure to hold a licence or comply with the storage requirements can result in prosecution with a fine up to £20,000 and/or a prison sentence.

How to apply

Complete the Application for a Storage Licence and then send your completed application along with your payment by email to business.enquiries@southlanarkshire.gov.uk, or by post to the following address:

If paying by cheque then it must be made payable to ‘South Lanarkshire Council’, payment can also be made by BACS, please contact us on 0303 123 1015 or business.enquiries@southlanarkshire.gov.uk for further information.  Your application will not be considered unless payment is received with the form.

Note that we cannot accept payment in cash or by debit/credit card at this office.

How much does it cost?

Between 5kg and 250kg of fireworks or explosives

Over 250kg of fireworks or explosives

How the application is dealt with

Your application will be checked and an officer from Trading Standards will visit your premises. Your licence may be refused if you have previously committed fireworks offences or if you or your premises are deemed unsuitable.

Can anyone object?

No. Consumer and Trading Standards check the application for your storage licence and issue the extract if everything is in order unless they have concerns.

Firework type and Net Explosive Content (NEC)

HT4 fireworks are the common “consumer” class of fireworks, while HT3 has a higher explosive capacity and may be described as small display fireworks. 

The various elements relating to storage are based on the NEC in kilograms. This is the amount of explosive contained in the firework as opposed to the gross weight of the whole firework.

We would advise that all applicants storing fireworks in retail premises limit themselves to HT4 fireworks. Storing HT3 devices is likely to cause significant problems for retailers as a very small NEC will require the store to be separated by a potentially large distance from other buildings, paths, roads, and so on. If a mix of HT3 and HT4 is stored the combined amount will be classed as HT3 for the purpose of determining separation distances. If separation distances do apply to an application, the cost of the licence is increased.

The maximum amount NEC of HT4 fireworks that can be stored, without separation distances applying, is 250kg, however, where there are domestic premises adjacent to the store this will be restricted to 75kg. Please take some time to decide what amount of stock is required and only apply for the amount which is absolutely necessary. Remember you can re-stock if you sell out.

Storage and signage

You must have the latest version of the statutory notice on display. HSE may change the notice at any time, but your firework supplier should be able to supply the most up-to-date version each year if necessary.

On the whole, storage requirements for fireworks appear well understood and observed and Trading Standards are happy to provide further advice, where appropriate, during visits. However, there have been various, isolated issues with safe storage, ranging from relatively minor to obviously dangerous. These incidents will be kept on file and taken into consideration when assessing future applications.

Appeal

If we refuse your application, we will tell you why and provide you with information on how you can appeal our decision.

Please note that if we refuse or revoke your application, the fee submitted with your application is non-refundable.

When can fireworks be sold?

Without an all-year supply licence, F2 and F3 fireworks can only be supplied during the following time periods:

• from 15 October to 10 November
• from 26 December to 31 December
• on the first day of the Chinese New Year and the three days immediately preceding it
• on the first day of Diwali and the three days immediately preceding it

If you wish to supply F2 and F3 fireworks outside of these periods, then you will need to apply to your local authority for an all-year supply licence and pay a fee of £500.

Storing and selling fireworks safely

Please refer to the following Health and Safety Executive guidance:

• Fireworks
• Storing and Selling Fireworks Safely
• Fireworks in shops - Retailers' Risk Assessment Checklist
• Explosive Regulations 2014 - Guidance on Regulations - Fireworks in Retail Premises

In addition, the Scottish Government website has some useful guidance.

Also the Business Companion guide on Storage and supply of fireworks has been updated to take into account changes in Scotland.