Essex shopkeepers praised for refusing underage fireworks sales

SHOPS in Essex have been praised for refusing underage buyers of fireworks.

Essex County Council has applauded shopkeepers after Trading Standards test purchases found that only four of 35 businesses sold fireworks to underage volunteers.

The tests were carried out in Basildon, Castle Point, Rochford, Uttlesford, Brentwood, Braintree and Maldon.

Two of the four businesses that failed the test were in Basildon, one was in Braintree and one was in Uttlesford.

All the stores that failed the test purchase were given a warning and were re-tested, with only one failing the test a second time and now facing an ongoing investigation.

Tracey Chapman, county council cabinet member for environment and waste said she was pleased the majority of shopkeepers refused sales, but that the council was determined to continue tests.

She said: “Trading Standards continues to conduct test purchases and advisory visits for all age restricted products throughout the year, and we will not hesitate to take further action against those who ignore our warnings.”