Safety checks on firework sellers

Checks on shops planning to sell fireworks in the Isle of Man are to be carried out over the next few weeks.

Fireworks legally go on sale from 25 October but Office of Fair Trading staff will visit retailers beforehand to give them advice on storage.

Together with the police and the fire service, they will visit every retailer who has applied for a firework licence. Additional checks will also be made afterwards to ensure retailers comply with the terms of the licence.

OFT Technical Officer Mike Buss said: "We normally have around 30 applications for licences each year across the island.

"On receipt of a licence application we arrange to visit the premises with a fire service officer to advise what is required. Most have sold fireworks in previous years and have the necessary equipment.

"Once the fireworks are permitted to be on sale - two weeks prior to Bonfire Night - we visit each shop again with the police to ensure they comply with the safety requirements and understand their responsibility under the law not to sell fireworks to under 18s."

Initial visits will be carried out next week.