ACS (the Association of Convenience Stores) has welcomed the launch of a new campaign from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) providing consumers with advice on how to purchase and use fireworks responsibly.

Focusing on advising consumers on how to use fireworks safely and considerately, the campaign aims to protect both people and animals from harm.

OPSS is working with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, the Child Accident Prevention Trust, and the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals to help boost awareness.

The campaign reminds retailers of their responsibilities in regards to the sale of fireworks with reference to ACS’ Assured Advice Guides, ‘Preventing Underage Sales’ and ‘Selling Fireworks’.

These guides detail the laws and guidelines regarding the sale of some of the products which may be in high demand over the next few weeks and months.

ACS chief executive James Lowman said: “We welcome the launch of this campaign which reminds consumers of their responsibilities in regard to purchasing and using fireworks and retailers of their responsibilities in the storage and sale of these products.

“Convenience retailers are well-versed in the sale of highly regulated products, including fireworks and we will continue to work with our members to ensure that these important messages are communicated to customers.”

More information about the OPSS campaign is available here.