Sainsbury’s has become the first major supermarket to stop selling fireworks, but do you agree with its decision? And will other supermarkets follow suit?
03/11/2020: Update
Sainsbury’s has confirmed its decision not to sell fireworks will extend to this year:
Hi there, last year we made the decision to stop stocking fireworks across all of our stores. This will continue this year as well. Kiril
— Sainsbury's (@sainsburys) October 29, 2020
With many Bonfire Night events called off due to the pandemic this year, it’s likely that most of the fireworks we do see and hear this Thursday will be back garden displays.
Do you support Sainsbury’s continued decision not to stock them? Should other supermarkets follow their lead?
01/11/2019: Sainsbury’s stops selling fireworks
As Bonfire Night approaches the debate over whether fireworks should continue to be sold to the general public will always resurface. It’s one I’ve written about before here on Which? Conversation.
When we posted about the subject on Facebook back in 2016 it sparked a huge debate around the responsible use and sale of them.
Last year, a petition to ban them ended up attracting more than 300,000 signatures. This is, without question, a topic that people feel very strongly about.
Sainsbury’s stops selling fireworks
This year’s debate has taken a further twist, with Sainsbury’s becoming the first major supermarket to stop selling them completely.
It hasn’t said exactly why the decision has been taken, but did tell the BBC that the information was commercially sensitive.
In that case, perhaps it’s a cost-related decision rather than one down to campaigning pressure. But whatever the reason, those who want to see them banned have been expressing their support for the supermarket’s decision.
Delighted with this I hope all retailers do the same, pets are often distressed by them. And the problem is now fireworks are going off every night weeks before and after bonfire night. Let’s just have public displays please.
— Gary Finney Zair (@finneyzair) October 18, 2019
Regardless of the reasons behind the move, do you support Sainsbury’s decision to stop selling fireworks?
Last year we discussed whether back garden bonfire and fireworks events were safe enough.
Kate pointed out that while there are no specific bonfire bans in the UK, there are some restrictions that people should definitely be aware of.
This includes the fact that you could be fined if you allow smoke to drift across a road and become a danger to traffic.
Experiences with bonfires and fireworks
Do you think back garden displays are safe? Speaking from experience, I have my doubts. When I was around four years old, my family attended a display in a friend’s back garden.
After a rocket was lit, it became dislodged at the last possible moment and came hurtling towards me and my dad. I have his quick reactions and a very thick leather jacket to thank for not being seriously injured – he was able to shield me from it just in time.
Fortunately I was ok, if a little shaken, especially after seeing the huge hole burnt through the leather. If you are having a display this year please do be as careful as possible, especially if there are children around.
Have you ever had any similar experiences to mine? Do you want to see the sale of fireworks banned in the UK? Should they be limited to officially organised events only?
Every year the calls seem to get louder – perhaps it’s just a matter of time?
How do you feel about Sainsbury's not selling fireworks this year?
It's a good decision (97%, 4,560 Votes)
It's a bad decision (2%, 113 Votes)
Other (Tell us why in the comments) (0%, 19 Votes)
Total Voters: 4,692
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