Fireworks and explosives
Anyone wishing to manufacture or store a quantity of explosives (including retailers selling fireworks) within their premises must be registered or licensed by a licensing authority. The organisation to whom an application must be made will depend on the type and quantity of the explosives it is intended to store.
We are able to:
- issue storage registrations in respect of premises at which small amounts of explosives are stored;
- issue storage licences in respect of premises storing up to 2,000kg of explosives (providing that the explosives do not require an Explosives Certificate); and
- issue annual supply licences for premises wishing to sell fireworks all year round.
If you wish to manufacture explosives, store more than 2,000kg of explosives, or store types of explosives that require explosives certificates or smokeless powder, details of the relevant licensing authorities are given below.
Storage registrations
The majority of premises storing explosives will only have a relatively small amount of explosives on their premises at any one time. This will typically include retailers selling fireworks only at certain times of the year, garages storing airbag detonators, and other premises where explosives form only a minor part of the overall business. For these premises, a storage registration will be the most suitable type of authorisation.
The maximum quantity of explosives that can be stored in registered premises may not exceed one of the following:
- 30kg of explosives of any hazard type; or
- 100kg of hazard type 3 explosives, or a combination of hazard type 3/4 explosives; or
- 250kg of hazard type 4 explosives; or
- 250kg of small arms ammunition and percussion caps, and 30kg of shooters powder.
Shops selling fireworks may be subject to additional limits, restricting the amount of fireworks that may be kept in the shop at any one time (although further fireworks can be stored in a storeroom up to the full amount as listed above).
When considering applications for registration, we will look at whether or not the premises is suitable for the storage of explosives, and whether the applicant has previously been convicted of explosives-related offences. If we have concerns about an application, we are required to allow the applicant to make representation in support of their application, before coming to a decision.
Registrations are usually valid for a year (expiring in September), although they can be revoked by the licensing authority if it is believed that the premises is no longer suitable or if there are concerns in respect of the fitness of the registered person.
Storage licences
Businesses that need to store larger amounts of explosives that a registration would allow can apply for a storage licence. This will typically include specialist retailers selling large quantities of fireworks, or other businesses involved with explosives on a daily basis.
No more than 2,000kg of explosives can be stored in premises licensed by Lambeth Council. If it is intended to store more than this, or to store types of explosive that require Explosive Certificates, then an application must be made to either the Health & Safety Executive or the Metropolitan Police - see the other licensing authorities section for more information.
When considering applications for licences, we will look at whether or not the premises is suitable for the storage of explosives, and whether the applicant has previously been convicted of explosives-related offences. If we have concerns about an application, we are required to allow the applicant to make representation in support of his application, before coming to a decision.
Licences are usually valid for a year (expiring in September), although they can be revoked by the licensing authority if it is believed that the premises is no longer suitable or if there are concerns in respect of the fitness of the licensee.
Annual supply licences
The operators of premises that have been registered or licensed to store explosives are entitled to supply fireworks at four times of the year:
- between the 15th October and the 10th November;
- between the 26th December and the 31st December;
- for four days ending on the first day of the Chinese New Year; and
- for four days ending on the day of Diwali.
Anyone wishing to supply fireworks at any other time of year must hold a separate Annual Supply Licence, in addition to a storage registration or licence.
Application forms and fees
The application fees, as of the 6th April 2008, are as follows:
| Type of application |
Application fee |
| New storage registration (1 year) |
£100 |
| Renewal of storage registration (1 year) |
£50 |
| New storage licence (1 year) |
£170 |
| Renewal of storage licence (1 year) |
£80 |
Variation of storage licence
(to change name or address) |
£33 |
| Transfer of storage licence or registration |
£33 |
| Replacement of storage licence or registration |
£33 |
Annual supply licence
(new or renewal) |
£500 |
Other licensing authorities
If you intend to manufacture any form of explosive or firework, you must be licensed to do so by the Health & Safety Executive.
If you intend to store 2,000kg or more of explosives (net weight), you must be licensed by the Health & Safety Executive.
If you intend to store up to 2,000kg (net) of a type of explosive that requires an explosives certificate (e.g. blasting explosive or black powder), or smokeless powder, you must be registered with the Metropolitan Police.
If you intend to import any fireworks, you must be registered with HM Customs and Excise.
Use of fireworks
It is against the law for an under-18 to possess fireworks in a public place (except for caps, party poppers, sparklers and similar).
It is against the law for anyone to possess Category 4 fireworks (professional display fireworks), unless they are employed in certain fireworks-related trades and possess them strictly for the purposes of their employment.
It is illegal to use fireworks between 11pm and 7am, except on:
- 5th November (when fireworks may be used until midnight);
- New Year's Eve (until 1am on New Year's Day);
- the first day of the Chinese New Year (until 1am on the following day); or
- on the day of Diwali (until 1am on the following day).
Frequently Asked Questions
More Questions and answers on the FAQ page.