Question to the Department for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation, Science and Trade, whether he has considered the potential merits of introducing a fit and proper person test for people applying for licenses to store and sell fireworks.

The existing framework already includes licensing requirements for the storage of fireworks above prescribed quantities and for the year-round supply of fireworks to consumers outside the permitted seasonal sales periods. Applications for licences to store fireworks above prescribed quantities are determined by the relevant licensing authority in accordance with the Explosives Regulations 2014. Retailers must also comply with statutory requirements governing the sale of fireworks, including age restrictions, which are enforced by Trading Standards authorities. The Government made no formal assessment of introducing a fit and proper person test for applicants seeking licences to store or sell fireworks.