AN EXPERIENCED firework retailer who chose to sell his fireworks on a street corner stall has been prosecuted by Warwickshire County Council Trading Standards Service.
Barry Knight, 54, was selling fireworks two days before Bonfire Night last year when the trading standards service received a report that fireworks were being sold illegally from a temporary open stall on a street corner on Bayton Road, Exhall.
Officers discovered a large quantity of live fireworks laid out on the stall, most out of their protective cardboard transport boxes – putting Mr Knight, customers and other shoppers in preventable danger.
Mr Knight pleaded guilty to illegally selling gunpowder in a public place and was fined a total of £2,657.
Mr Mohamed, of John Mohamed & Co Solicitors, said had made a grave mistake because he had purchased too many fireworks and had too much stock – which drove him to make the decision he made.
Mr Mohammed also stated that Mr Knight may not get a licence to store fireworks this year as a result of his actions and so may end up with £17,000 worth of stock he won’t be able to sell.
Warwickshire County Councillor Philip Johnson, chair of the council’s overview and scrutiny committee said: “Trading Standards officers visit all firework retailers at least once a year.
“The vast majority of firework license holders in Warwickshire are very responsible retailers and store and sell fireworks safely, inside shops and in locked containers, where there is no risk of them catching light.”
Warwickshire County Councillor John Horner said selling explosives on the road or in a public place has been illegal since 1875 and is one of the oldest laws that Trading Standards enforced.
He added: “Fortunately, this is an extremely rare occurrence and I’m delighted that Trading Standards were on hand to act quickly to protect the public.”
