Sainsbury’s becomes first supermarket to fully ban the sale of fireworks

Sainsbury’s has become the first major retailer in the UK to ban the sale of fireworks following concerns for public safety.

As bonfire night looms, the supermarket has today confirmed it will stop selling the products across all 2,300 of its stores with immediate effect.

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said on the decision: “We regularly review the products available in our store and we are no longer selling fireworks based on a range of factors.

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“Customers can continue to choose from a range of seasonal products, such as glow sticks and light-up spinning wands.”

Dogs Trust, a charity focusing on the welfare of dogs, congratulated Sainsbury’s on their decision and have encouraged others to do the same, with a spokesperson saying: “Although they can look beautiful, fireworks can be very distressing for dogs when let off unexpectedly, and because they are so easily accessible all year-round, dog owners are on tenterhooks as to when their beloved pooch will next be frightened.”

However, other supermarkets and retailers across the country will continue to sell the fireworks, with many opting to either include safety advice to protect animals or to sell ‘silent’ versions or as a compromise. 

This comes after senior vets from Vets Now called on the government to ban the sale of fireworks in supermarkets and retailers, stressing that pets are being put at risk.

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Dave Leicester, the man responsible for the Video Vets Now service, said: “Fireworks can be hugely distressing for pets, birds and wildlife particularly when they’re let off unexpectedly.

“Although still distressing, pet owners can at least plan for well-publicised public events, or even take their pets elsewhere when they know they’re happening, but that’s not the case for indiscriminate private displays.

“While fireworks season may never be your dog’s favourite time of year, taking steps to prepare them in the weeks leading up to bonfire night can help make the whole experience less traumatic.”