Shops in parts of Cumbria have been caught selling fireworks to under 18s, during a test operation by Trading Standards.
Four retailers sold fireworks to children, who were sent into shop in Kendal, Barrow, Cleator Moor and Carlisle as part of the undercover exercise.
They were all issued with written warnings.
Councillor John McCreesh, Cumbria County Council Cabinet member responsible for Trading Standards, said: “We are surprised and disappointed that such a high proportion of retailers sold fireworks to the volunteers. Selling fireworks to children is irresponsible and is not acceptable. The police and trading standards will enforce the law in respect of under-age sales and will consider reviewing licences where appropriate.
“Fireworks are only sold for a short window of time at certain points in the year, so these results highlight serious shortcomings with the traders involved in the sales; the bottom line is these products are explosives and can present a real danger if they are made available to individuals under the legal age-limit.”
A spokesperson for Cumbria Police said: “Supplying fireworks to those who are underage is not only illegal, but has a direct impact on the local community. These sales can lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour, not to mention obvious associated safety concerns. Fireworks are potentially dangerous explosives, and need to sold and used responsibly.”
Statistics show that more than half of those suffering firework-related injuries in the UK each year are under the age of 18.