New online system for firework registrations and licences

Bonfire and fireworks extravaganza

Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) has developed a new user friendly online way of applying and paying for registrations and licences for the legal storage of fireworks.

With more than two months to go until Bonfire Night, it is available now for both new and returning applicants to access on the GMFRS website.

Under the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, anyone storing fireworks must hold a licence or registration and store them in a safe manner.

Area Manager Geoff Harris, Head of GMFRS’ Protection Services, said: “For the first time people applying can pay online after completing a simple step-by-step application form.
“It should both speed up and make it easier for people to apply and pay and it is available online right now.

“It means it is easier than ever before for businesses, premises and people storing fireworks, to stay within the law.”

GMFRS receives around 700 paper applications in the weeks leading up Guy Fawkes Night on November 5, and the new online system is designed to help eliminate mistakes in the application process.

From October 15 until November 10 – the permitted bonfire selling period - it will be legal for fireworks to be sold and GMFRS will be working in partnership with Greater Manchester Police and Trading Standards to enforce the legal and safe sale of fireworks.

As part of that work, GMFRS’ authorised Explosive Officers will carry out inspections at premises enforcing the storage of fireworks without a licence or registration and sales outside the permitted periods.

To find out more information, including legislation relating the legal storage of fireworks, go to:

http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/business_fire_safety/fireworks-applications/storing_explosives.aspx

To apply and pay for a firework licence or registration using GMFRS’ new user friendly online application system go to:

http://www.manchesterfire.gov.uk/fire_safety_advice/business_fire_safety/fireworks_app.aspx