Islington Council has successfully prosecuted the owner of a firework shop in Essex Road after he was caught allowing his 16-year-old shop assistant to sell fireworks to two even younger child volunteers working for the Council’s trading standards team.<br><br>On 23 August, Highbury Corner Magistrates’ Court heard how in November 2004, council officers conducted an exercise with two child volunteers aged 14 and 15 who were sent into a number of different shops to buy fireworks. At the premises known as ‘The Firework Shop’ in Essex Road, an undercover officer went in with the two children and witnessed them easily purchase a packet of fireworks from another youngster serving in the shop.<br><br>During the investigation, the Council discovered that the serving assistant was only 16 years old - the legal age for anyone selling or purchasing fireworks is 18 years. Previous advice had already been given by trading standards on all aspects of firework law.<br><br>The owner of the business, Charles Fletcher from Hackney, was fined £200 and ordered to pay costs of £586 for breaching the Fireworks (Safety) Regulations 1997.<br><br>Cllr George Allan, Islington’s executive member for public protection, said: “Each year, the Council works with its partners in the police and fire brigade to help reduce anti-social behaviour caused by firework misuse. <br><br>Most businesses are responsible and comply with the law, but there are some occasions when the law is not followed. <br><br>Islington Council will prosecute shop owners who flout the law."<br><br>ENDS<br><br>Notes:<br><br>The use of child volunteers is carried out in accordance with strict Home Office guidelines. Volunteers of obviously underage appearance are used for test purchasing exercises every year. <br><br>Islington’s trading standards team together with their partners in the anti-social behaviour team, the police and London Fire Brigade will again this year be out in force helping to reduce anti-social behaviour caused by firework misuse.
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009