DISPOSABLE barbecues and fireworks shouldn't mix.
But that's just what trading standards inspectors found lying next to each other at one shop in Notts this week.
Officers have carried out inspections at around 150 shops across the county selling fireworks ahead of next month's Bonfire Night and Diwali celebrations.
While most were storing fireworks safely, some caused concern, as trading standards team manager Sarah Houlton explained.
"In one case we found lots of disposable barbecues next to a bulk stock of fireworks. A common one was also shops having live fireworks on display instead of dummy ones.
"We are pleased to report that this year we are not finding a significant problem, but the seriousness of what we have found in the past is the reason why we need these inspections.
"Businesses are not deliberately trying to endanger the public. Often it's just carelessness."
The Post followed trading standards officer Louise Smedley on inspections of shops in Beeston. Of the ten she checked, all were storing fireworks correctly.
She said: "People should always buy from authorised retailers and from a fixed premises. Customers should also look for the British Standard mark, as it means they have been rigorously tested and comply with safety laws."
First on her list was Tesco in Middle Street. She checked the sales area to ensure fireworks were kept in a locked cabinet and away from sources of heat or electricity – and that staff operated a Challenge 25 policy, to make sure customers could prove they are old enough to buy fireworks. The legal age is 18 but traders should challenge people to show ID if they suspect they are 25 or under.
She also inspected the outside storage area which contained dozens of boxes of fireworks, asking staff if there were fire extinguishers nearby and "no smoking" notices displayed.
Peter Swift, non-food trading manager at Tesco, said: "When people are purchasing they have to take them out of the store straight away."
Next stop was Beeston News, in High Road, where rocket fireworks were being kept inside a locked metal trunk.
Shop owner Majid Ali was advised to put up "no smoking" signs and given a sign to display.
Mr Ali, 52, said:"I'm happy with how the inspection went. Whatever precautions they ask, we will do."
Louise's inspections also took in Sainsbury's, in Villa Street, where staff were selling anything from £1 sparklers to the £125 Colossus fireworks.
Store manager Mick Hart had arranged for local firefighters to come to the store to speak about the dangers of fireworks.
Trading standards tried a new method of inspection last year, which used a combination of inspections and postal checklists, reducing the overall number of inspections by a third, with 139 licences and registrations issued and 97 inspections.
Of those, 63 per cent of premises were compliant on inspection, 20 per cent were brought into compliance during the visit.
A further 6 per cent were compliant following a re-visit and 11 per cent were non compliant.
A Notts County Council spokesman said: "The point of inspections is to bring the trader into compliance.
We do not have powers to issue warnings or fines."
