Greater Manchester Fire Rescue Service (GMFRS) has prosecuted a national fireworks distributor and two local shopkeepers for breaches of explosives legislation. The cases, brought by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA), were heard at Manchester Magistrates’ Court and Tameside Magistrates Court.
Distributor fined for unsafe storage
At Manchester Magistrates’ Court on 6 October, Hashum Malik, director of Boom Fireworks, pleaded guilty to offences relating to the storage of fireworks. Specialist GMFRS inspectors discovered around 200kg of Hazard Type 3 (HT3) fireworks being stored contrary to licensing requirements at the company’s distribution premises in Cheetham Hill and Rochdale.
HT3 fireworks present a greater fire, blast and projectile risk than standard HT4 retail fireworks and are therefore subject to stricter storage requirements. Following a GMFRS inspection, the fireworks were detained and removed from the premises.
Boom Fireworks Limited was fined £40,000, plus a £2,000 surcharge. The court also awarded full prosecution costs of £3,482.16, making the total fine £45,485.16.
Retailers sentenced for licence breaches
In a separate case at Tameside Magistrates Court on 11 September, Shabaz Ali Abbas, of Broomhurst Avenue, Oldham, was sentenced for offences under the Explosives Regulations 2014. Abbas was found to be storing and selling fireworks at The Vape Store on Hollins Road, Oldham, despite his explosives licence having expired on 31 October 2024.
When specialist fire safety inspectors visited the premises on 2 November 2024, they found fireworks still being stored, including higher-risk HT3 fireworks. The stock was detained and removed. Abbas was sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment, suspended for 12 months, and ordered to complete a 10-day community order. The court also awarded full prosecution costs of £4,162.11, together with a victim surcharge of £187. The fireworks seized from the premises were also ordered to be destroyed.
In Bolton, inspectors found fireworks being stored and sold at Wise Buys on Bury Road without a valid explosives licence. Owner Said Shiragha Hashimi, of Nevada Street, Manchester, had taken over the business in 2023 but had not applied for a licence in his own name. Inspectors found fireworks stored in unsuitable conditions, including some HT3 fireworks at premises with residential accommodation above.
Hashimi was sentenced to 25 days of Rehabilitation Activity Requirement, requiring him to participate in targeted rehabilitative programmes. He was also made subject to a three-month curfew. The court awarded full prosecution costs of £4,281.82 and a victim surcharge of £114. The fireworks seized from the premises were also ordered to be destroyed.
Officials warn of robust enforcement
Kate Green, deputy mayor for safer and stronger communities, said: “Fireworks are enjoyed by many people across Greater Manchester at this time of year. Storing them safely is essential to protecting the public, businesses and property.
“These prosecutions demonstrate that we will take robust action against anyone who fails to store, supply or sell fireworks safely and legally.
“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, said: “Fireworks are explosives and the rules governing how they are stored exist to protect businesses, residents, customers and the wider public.
“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.
“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 prosecution.”
With the main fireworks sales period approaching on 15 October, GMFRS is reminding businesses that anyone storing, supplying or selling fireworks must ensure they have the appropriate licences in place and are complying with explosives legislation. Failure to do so may result in enforcement action, including prosecutions.
