Reported Sites

“Fireworks Den sells fireworks all year round to customers over the age of 18. However, there is nothing on our site that could be considered dangerous of inappropriate for under 18s. Also, we are not selling weapons, but highly regulated consumer fireworks in the UK. Viewing fireworks videos is not considered to be inappropriate or dangerous. Careful checks are made that fireworks are only sold and delivered to persons over the age of 18. Browsing through fireworks shop website, viewing fireworks videos, reading about fireworks is completely different matter to selling fireworks for under 18s. Fireworks Den will not sell fireworks for under 18s. All fireworks are adhered to all the safety regulations laid down.”

“The issue of age restricted access to Firework Websites was raised during a recent meeting of the British Firework Association. At the meeting was the Chair of FELG (Firework Enforcement Liaison Group) which consists of various authorities, including Trading Standards and Fire & Rescue. The Chair of FELG is extremely concerned with the policy of Mobile Phone Networks in respect of restricting access to Firework related websites and has asked that we write to our Acting Authority (Glasgow City Council) who will raise the matter through official channels and report the matter to FELG. The BBFC Guidance clearly states that “The Classification Framework does not cover sites which supply age restricted goods or services such as knives, fireworks, tobacco, legal highs, alcohol, gambling or adult entertainment unless any adult filters in place block on the basis of the types of content listed in Part B of the Classification Framework. It is the retailer’s responsibility to utilise effective age verification systems when it comes to supplying customers with age restricted goods or services, and the relevant local Trading Standards service is responsible for the enforcement of this consumer related legislation.” Both industry and enforcements have concerns that Mobile Networks are operating a restrictive trading practice which has no legal basis. As the BBFC have highlighted, it is the responsibility of Trading Standards to enforce the regulations, not the Mobile Networks. ”

“Original Complaint: ------------------- submitted on 28 April, 2019 at 17:59 ISP Response: ------------- Review comments: ---------------- ”