A firework test purchase scheme has been launched by Trading Standards across South Lanarkshire for the next two weeks.

The team will be carrying out undercover test purchases in nearly 50 premises that are now registered to sell fireworks in the area around November 5. 

The aim is to ensure that each upholds the law by refusing to sell fireworks to under-18s. 

Councillor Robert Brown (Rutherglen South), chair of the community and enterprise resources said: “We are very encouraged by the responsible stance taken by our retailers in past years in not selling fireworks to under-18s, and we want to make sure that continues. By undertaking a programme of regular visits, we can be sure that each registered premises is fully up to date with the law on how to store these dangerous substances, and who they can and cannot sell them to.

“Ultimately, our advice to them remains – if there is any doubt about the age of a potential customer, refuse the sale. There is no room for error. The potential for anti-social behaviour, and indeed, serious injury, is huge when dangerous explosives fall into the wrong hands. Our approach is about putting safety first whilst allowing all residents to enjoy this time of the year without accident or incident, whether they choose to take part in the festivities or not.” 

Visits will take place at various times of the day and evening across the range of retail premises on the register.

Volunteers’ ages range from 16 to 18 and each will be accompanied by a Trading Standards officer who will step in if the sale is made without asking for ID.

The scheme is designed to boost consumer safety and tackle anti-social behaviour by enforcing both the age restriction for sales and the period in which fireworks can be purchased which is between 7am and 6pm.

There are four times of the year when registered traders can legally sell fireworks, which are November 5 (three weeks before and one week after), New Year (December 26 to 31), Chinese New Year (four days before including the day itself) and Diwali (November 12).

Retailers can only sell outside these periods if granted a more extensive licence at a cost of £500 per year.