A national fireworks distributor and two Greater Manchester retailers have been prosecuted following investigations by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service (GMFRS) into breaches of explosives legislation.

The prosecutions, brought by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, highlight the importance of complying with licensing and storage requirements under the Explosives Regulations 2014.

Boom Fireworks Limited

At Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 6 October, Hashum Malik, director of Boom Fireworks Limited, pleaded guilty to offences relating to the unlawful storage of fireworks.

GMFRS inspectors discovered approximately 200 kg of Hazard Type 3 (HT3) fireworks being stored in breach of licensing requirements at the company's premises.

HT3 fireworks present greater fire, blast and projectile risks than Hazard Type 4 (HT4) fireworks and are therefore subject to stricter storage controls. The fireworks were detained and removed following the inspection.

Boom Fireworks Limited was fined £40,000 and ordered to pay a £2,000 surcharge and £3,482.16 in prosecution costs, bringing the total financial penalty to £45,482.16.

Retailers prosecuted for licensing breaches

In separate cases heard at Tameside Magistrates’ Court on 11 September, two retailers were sentenced for offences under the Explosives Regulations 2014.

The Vape Store, Oldham

Shabaz Ali Abbas was found storing and selling fireworks at The Vape Store on Hollins Road after his explosives licence expired on 31 October 2024.

During an inspection on 2 November 2024, GMFRS officers discovered fireworks on the premises, including higher-risk HT3 products. The stock was subsequently detained and removed.

Abbas received an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and was ordered to complete a ten-day Community Order. He was also ordered to pay £4,162.11 in prosecution costs and a £187 victim surcharge. The court ordered the seized fireworks to be destroyed.

Wise Buys, Bolton

Said Shiragha Hashimi, owner of Wise Buys on Bury Road, was found storing and selling fireworks without a valid explosives licence after taking over the business in 2023.

Inspectors identified unsuitable storage conditions, including HT3 fireworks being kept at premises with residential accommodation above.

Hashimi was sentenced to a 25-day Rehabilitation Activity Requirement and a three-month curfew. He was also ordered to pay £4,281.82 in prosecution costs and a £114 victim surcharge. The seized fireworks were ordered to be destroyed.

Robust action

Kate Green, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester, said: “Fireworks are enjoyed by many people across Greater Manchester at this time of the year. Storing them safely is essential for protecting the public, businesses and property.”

Green added: “These prosecutions demonstrate that we will take robust action against anyone who fails to store, supply or sell fireworks safely and legally.”

Further, Green noted: “We are committed to supporting businesses that want to comply with the law, but we will not hesitate to take tough enforcement action against those who put our communities and firefighters at risk.”

Karl Gibbons, head of protection at Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service, explained: “Fireworks are explosives and the rules governing how they are stored exist to protect businesses, residents, customers and the wider public.”

Gibbons went on to state: “These prosecutions involve both a national distributor and local retailers, but the message is the same regardless of the size of the business. Anyone storing fireworks must understand and comply with their legal responsibilities.”

In addition, Gibbons said: “Our inspectors work closely with businesses throughout the year to help them meet those requirements and maintain safe storage arrangements. However, when businesses fail to comply with the law and create unnecessary risk, we will not hesitate to take enforcement action, including the potential for prosecution.”

Importance of compliance with explosives regulations

The prosecutions form part of GMFRS's ongoing work to improve fireworks safety across Greater Manchester, including its Bonfire and Halloween campaign.

GMFRS is reminding businesses that fireworks must be stored, supplied and sold in accordance with the Explosives Regulations 2014, with appropriate licences and safety measures in place.

Businesses handling fireworks must understand their legal responsibilities and ensure that storage arrangements meet the relevant safety requirements. Failure to comply can result in enforcement action, prosecution and significant financial penalties.

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