As Bonfire Night approaches, many of us head out to pick up fireworks for the celebrations. But behind those colourful displays lies a strict set of laws on who can sell fireworks, when they can be sold, and what licences are needed to do it legally.
To help explain the rules, we spoke with Dave Roberts, Fireworks Consultant at Cardiff Fireworks, one of Wales’ few year-round firework retailers.
“Fireworks can only be sold by people who are properly licensed,” says Dave. “There are two types of licences: a seasonal licence and an annual licence. A seasonal licence allows you to sell fireworks during specific periods for Bonfire Night, New Year, Chinese New Year and Diwali. An annual licence lets you sell all year round, but you can’t just have that one on its own. To get the annual licence, you must also hold the seasonal one.”
That means only a small number of retailers in Wales are allowed to sell fireworks throughout the year. Most shops, including supermarkets, operate under a seasonal licence and can only sell during the permitted windows.
When can fireworks be sold?
Under UK law, fireworks can only be sold to the public during these dates:
- 15 October to 10 November – for Bonfire Night
- 26 December to 31 December – for New Year’s Eve
- Three days before and including Diwali
- Three days before and including Chinese New Year
Outside of these dates, only shops with an annual licence are allowed to sell.
Cardiff Fireworks is one of those retailers. “We’ve got both licences, which means we can store and sell fireworks safely all year round,” says Dave. “That allows us to offer a much wider range of products and gives people access to premium brands that you simply don’t find in supermarkets.”
Dave explains that the licensing system isn’t just about paperwork, it’s about safety. “You have to prove that you have a safe and secure storage area for your fireworks,” he says. “Fireworks are classed as explosives, so there are strict limits on how much you can store depending on your location and setup. Everything is checked by the local authority or fire service.”
He also warns against buying fireworks from unlicensed sellers. “Every year, we hear about people selling fireworks from their car boots or on social media. That’s completely illegal and dangerous. You have no idea where those fireworks have come from, how they’ve been stored, or if they even meet UK safety standards.”
For those planning to buy fireworks this Bonfire Night, Dave’s advice is simple: “Always buy from a licensed retailer, read the instructions carefully and follow the safety distances listed on the box. Fireworks are perfectly safe when used correctly, it’s about being responsible.”
By knowing the rules and buying from trusted sources, you can enjoy Bonfire Night with peace of mind, confident that your display is both safe and legal.
