Any person wishing to store or supply explosives, including fireworks, must obtain a licence from the council.
You must not store explosives / fireworks until you have been granted a licence. Licences will be refused if the site is unsuitable or the applicant is considered not to be a fit person to store explosives.
The Explosive Regulations 2014 came into effect on 1 October 2014.
Storage of up to 2,000 kg (2 tonnes) of explosives (including fireworks) are applied for through the council.
To store quantities in excess of 2 tonnes you need to apply to the Health and Safety Executive.
No person may acquire more than 50 kg of fireworks unless they have a valid licence to store them.
No person must sell or transfer more than 50 kg of fireworks to any person unless they have been shown a valid licence.
An explosive licence only permits you to store or sell during the following periods:
- 15 October to 10 November
- 26 December to 31 December
- On the 1st day of the Chinese New Year, and the 3 days immediately preceding it
- On the day of Diwali and the 3 days immediately preceding it
To supply fireworks or explosives all year round you will need a fireworks licence. You must however also continue to hold an explosives licence and comply with the terms of that licence.
Apply for an explosives licence
Download and complete the application form [418KB] and return with the fee as stated on the form, a risk assessment, a copy of your public liability insurance and a floor plan of the premises. The HSE website has a risk assessment checklist and guidance for retailers on storing and selling fireworks safely.
After the premises have been successfully inspected by a trading standards officer we aim to issue the licence within 5 working days.
Apply for a fireworks licence
Download and complete the application form [PDF 418KB] and return with the fee as stated on the form.
After the premises have been successfully inspected by a trading standards officer we aim to issue the licence within 5 working days.
Contact
The licensing service is available to contact by telephone between 10:00am and 2:00pm Monday to Friday or visit in person by appointment only at the licensing desk at Blackpool Council's Customer First Centre on Corporation Street .