Oldham shopkeeper among three prosecuted over explosives breaches

A national fireworks distributor, a Bolton retailer and Oldham shopkeeper have been prosecuted following investigations into breaches of explosives legislation by GMFRS.

At Manchester Magistrates' Court on October 6, Hashum Malik, Director of Boom Fireworks Limited, pleaded guilty to offences relating to the storage of fireworks after specialist GMFRS inspectors discovered around 200kg of Hazard Type 3 (HT3) fireworks being stored contrary to licensing requirements. 

In separate cases heard at Tameside Magistrates Court on September 11, Shabaz Ali Abbas, of Broomhurst Avenue, Oldham, and Said Shiragha Hashimi, of Nevada Street, Manchester, were sentenced for offences under the Explosives Regulations 2014. 

The prosecutions were brought by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) which licenses the storage of explosives, including fireworks, across the city-region. 

The court heard that Boom Fireworks Limited, which operates distribution premises in Cheetham Hill and Rochdale, was found to be storing approximately 200kg of HT3 fireworks in breach of explosives legislation. 

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, and a £2,000 surcharge. The court also awarded full prosecution costs of £3,482.16, making the total fine £45,485.16. 

In Oldham, Abbas was found to be storing and selling fireworks at The Vape Store on Hollins Road, Oldham, he owns, despite his explosives licence having expired on October 31, 2024. 

When specialist fire safety inspectors visited the premises on November 2, 2024, they found fireworks still being stored, including higher-risk Hazard Type 3 (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, Bolton, without a valid explosives licence. Owner, Hashimi 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. 

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 as of today (October 15), 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. 

These prosecutions form part of GMFRS's wider work to improve fireworks safety across the city region. 

Through its Bonfire and Halloween campaign, GMFRS works with businesses, partners and communities to raise awareness of the risks associated with fireworks and to promote their safe and lawful storage, sale and use. 

Businesses that store, supply or sell fireworks should ensure they understand their legal responsibilities and have the correct licences in place.