Council and democracy

Underage fireworks fine for shopkeepers

The caution follows the conviction of a couple whose business was responsible for selling packets of rockets to two 15-year-olds during firework season last year.

Nalinkant Patel, 50, and his wife and business partner, Urvashi, 48, pleaded guilty at Croydon Magistrates' on Thursday to charges brought by Croydon Council.

The court heard that prior to last year's Bonfire Night the 15-year-olds in question were volunteers accompanying council trading standards officers as they checked that local shops were complying with the law and refusing to sell fireworks to under 18s.

During a visit to the Patel's Spar shop, in Lower Addiscombe Road, the youngsters were sold fireworks by a shop assistant who neither queried nor asked for proof of their age. The sale was observed by a trading standards officer.

The court fined the couple £779 and ordered costs of £799.20.

Councillor Steve O'Connell, cabinet member for safety and cohesion said: "The sale of fireworks to children is a serious matter. It has consequences not only for their safety but for that of other children.

"Shopkeepers need to be vigilant and always ask for proof of age if they cannot be sure. Fireworks in the wrong hands can be as dangerous as any other weapon. The council will not hesitate to prosecute anyone caught selling age-restricted products to young people."
 
Businesses requiring further advice on firework registration or sales should visit the council website at www.croydon.gov.uk/business/licences/explosives/.