Calls for ban on firework sales amid claims misuse is on rise
GLASWEGIANS should be banned from buying fireworks in a bid to tackle anti-social behaviour around Bonfire Night, a city councillor has said.
Councillor Paul Carey claimed the number of incidents of misuse of fireworks is on the rise and believes shops should be stopped from selling the items to the general public.
Instead, the Drumchapel representative has called on Glasgow City Council to ban pop-up firework retailer and urged the Scottish Government to introduce new legislation forbidding punters from purchasing the pyrotechnics.
His calls come after he claims a group of youths approached him outside a Robroyston shop last week and asked him to buy the devices on their behalf.
He told the Evening Times: “I have called for a ban on fireworks for the last couple of years but I really believe that now is the time for the Scottish Government to work with the UK Government to ban the sales, given the fact that over the last number of years the incidents of fireworks being misused has grown.
“I am now asking the supermarkets to lead the way on this ban by not selling them. I am also calling on Glasgow City Council and other local authorities to stop leasing these temporary shops and for the council to refuse a license for any premises that want to open temporarily to sell fireworks.
“I am very much hoping that the Scottish Government can work with the UK Government to bring in a ban of the public sale of fireworks.”
Police revealed last month emergency services had been targetting by thugs out on Bonfire Night last year, but insisted only a “small group” of individuals were responsible for the “unacceptable” behaviour.
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Anderson said: “To assist our divisions, a range of specialist resources will be at their disposal to deal with any incidents which arise and officers across the country are continuing to liaise with relevant partners.
“We are working with our communities and we want people to enjoy themselves over this period but we will take positive action against anyone participating in disorder and antisocial behaviour.”
The Scottish and UK Governments did not respond to requests for comment as the Evening Times went to press.
However, the council said only a change in legislation could result in the end of pop-up firework shops.
A spokesman said: “There is a very limited basis on which we can act to prevent someone from selling fireworks
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“Operators can expect to receive a licence if they store fireworks in accordance with the national explosives’ regulations, have no relevant criminal convictions and have not previously breached the legislation.
“A ban on pop-up shops or on the public sale of fireworks could only be achieved through a change to legislation.
“But there is no question that it is dangerous to misuse fireworks.
“We always recommend that people attend a licensed fireworks display rather than staging their own informal events.”