Facebook Fireworks 'Out-Of-Date And Dangerous'
Fireworks bought on Facebook could be out-of-date and dangerous – that’s the message from our region’s councils today.
Fireworks bought on Facebook could be out-of-date and dangerous – that’s the message from our region’s councils today.
Sellers on social media sites are mostly unlicensed, meaning they’re breaking the law by offering them on Facebook.
They’ll also have no guarantee that the fireworks have been stored properly or are still within their sell-by date.
The Fireworks Act of 2003 makes it illegal to sell without a license.
TFM has seen a number of posts from people in Stockton advertising discounted fireworks on local buying and selling pages.
We contacted Stockton Council, who’re already reporting a drop in the number of people making sales on social media.
They say they received 17 reports about private sellers last year, while so far this year they’ve only had 6 reports.
Councillor Steve Nelson said: “There’s a danger, not just for the people buying it, but also for the person selling it.
“There’s no evidence that they’ve been stored correctly, how old the fireworks are etc.
“The message quite clearly is go to a proper licensed retailer if you want to buy fireworks.”
Another fear for councils and trading standards is that people under the age of 18 could be sold fireworks through Facebook.
Selling fireworks illegally could result in a £5000 fine and up to 6 months in prison.
Trading Standards say they’re keeping their eyes firmly on social media pages to watch out for offenders.