The Fireworks Regulations 2004 requires that you:

  • Do not hold fireworks in a public place if under 18
  • Must not, as a member of public, possess Category F4 (professional) fireworks at any time
  • Must not set off fireworks between 11pm - 7am, except on New Year's Eve, Chinese/Lunar New Year, and Diwali, when fireworks may be used until 1am
  • Bonfire Night (5 November) when fireworks may be used until midnight
  • Appropriate national public celebrations or local/national commemorative events 

Advice

  • Always buy your fireworks from a licensed seller
  • It’s an offence to supply category F2 fireworks or category F3 fireworks to under 18s
  • Since 2017 you can only buy fireworks that are CE marked
Before applying

Please read the following before downloading the application forms from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE):

Apply
Trader guidance 2021 (184.63 KB)
Fireworks licence application form 2021 (272.5 KB)

More information and advice is available from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on their page Storing and selling fireworks safely (HSE)

Site risk assessment

In addition to your application, you must also submit a site risk assessment and submit it with your application.

Site risk assessment (22.67 KB)
Fee and charges
Fireworks & ExplosivesFee (exc VAT)
Fireworks licence - Fireworks Regulations 2004 (Sell all year) 
Licence£500
Renewal£500
Explosives licence - Explosives Regulations 2014 (Restrictive times to sell) 
Licence & renewals (0m SD and >0m SD)Set by Health & Safety Executive, view the list of fees.
Variation/Transfer£40
Replacement£40

If you only intend to store up to 250kg of hazard type 4 fireworks, then there’s no separation distances to be complied with.

Find out more information about bonfire and firework safety on the Cheshire Fire and Rescue website.

Get in touch

Email [email protected] or call 01925 442658

30 April 2024