Fireworks licence
If you want to store more than 5kg of fireworks (email trading.standards@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk for more details) in the run up to Bonfire Night, New Year's Eve or festivals such as Diwali and Chinese New Year, you must have a licence issued by us.
If you want to sell fireworks all year you will need a year-round sales licence in addition to a storage licence.
If you only have a storage licence you can only sell fireworks during the following periods:
- October 15 to November 10
- December 26 to December 31
- Chinese New Year (the first day of Chinese New Year and the three days before it)
- Diwali (the first day of Diwali and the three days before it)
Trading Standards Officers visit fireworks retailers to ensure they are storing and selling their fireworks responsibly. There will also be random checks to make sure retailers are not selling fireworks to under 18s. If you are in any doubt about the age of a potential customer, you should always ask for proof of identification. We will also monitor illegal sales at car boot sales and other venues.
You face an unlimited fine or up to 2 years' imprisonment for breaching the storage requirements and a £5,000 fine for selling fireworks to children.
Registered and licensed traders are provided with comprehensive guidance on responsibilities and obligations when storing and selling fireworks.
If you are currently storing fireworks and have not registered with us, please get in touch with us immediately.
Explosives licence fees – Hazard Type 4 explosives not exceeding 250kg
A new licence where separation distances do not need to be maintained
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 year | £119 |
| 2 years | £154 |
| 3 years | £190 |
| 4 years | £226 |
| 5 years | £260 |
Renewal of an existing licence where separation distances do not need to be maintained
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 year | £59 |
| 2 years | £94 |
| 3 years | £132 |
| 4 years | £166 |
| 5 years | £202 |
Fees where the quantity or type of explosives mean that a prescribed separation distance must be maintained
New Licence
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 year | £202 |
| 2 years | £266 |
| 3 years | £333 |
| 4 years | £409 |
| 5 years | £463 |
Licence renewal
| Duration | Fee |
|---|---|
| 1 year | £94 |
| 2 years | £161 |
| 3 years | £226 |
| 4 years | £291 |
| 5 years | £357 |
Variations, replacements, transfers and extensions
Variation or transfer of licence: £40
Transfer of licence or registration: £40
Replacement licence if lost: £40
Extended fireworks licence (annual licence to sell outside of permitted periods): £500
You can apply for a firework application online.
Tacit consent
Your licence will be issued within 20 working days of payment.
Tacit consent does not apply for this licence. You must not assume that your licence is granted if you have not heard from us.