Southall shopkeeper fined over dangerous fireworks
Tue 27 Oct 2026
The case came before Uxbridge Magistrates’ Court on 20 October 2026, following an investigation by Ealing Council’s trading standards team.
Abdullah Hassan admitted offences relating to the storage of fireworks at the shop, where officers discovered a quantity exceeding the premises’ licensed limit.
Fireworks exceeded permitted storage limit
During an inspection in October 2025, officers found 97 kilograms of fireworks inside the business, despite its licence allowing a maximum of 75 kilograms.
Investigators also discovered fireworks that were more powerful than those covered by the licence. Some were stored in areas accessible to customers, while others were not secured in accordance with safety requirements.
The court heard that these conditions created a serious risk of fire or explosion. The potential danger extended beyond the shop to employees, customers and residents living in the flats above the premises.
Fireworks sold to a 15-year-old volunteer
The investigation uncovered a further breach involving the sale of fireworks to a person under 18.
Five days after the inspection, a 15-year-old volunteer participating in a trading standards test purchase was sold fireworks without being asked to provide proof of age.
This happened despite the business having previously been warned about underage sales.
Shopkeeper ordered to carry out unpaid work
Hassan, who is from Redditch, received a 12-month community order requiring him to complete 200 hours of unpaid work.
He was also ordered to pay a £769 fine, £2,000 in court costs and a £308 victim surcharge, bringing the total financial penalty to £3,077.
In a separate hearing on 18 August 2026, his father, Asif Hassan, of Lady Margaret Road, Southall, admitted selling fireworks to someone under 18. He was fined £492 and ordered to pay a £197 victim surcharge.
Council warns businesses over firework safety
Councillor Kamaljit Nagpal, Ealing Council’s cabinet member for decent living incomes, said the case involved serious failures that put local people at risk, including families living above the shop.
The council reiterated that businesses selling fireworks must follow licensing requirements and protect the safety of customers and the surrounding community.
The case serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities placed on fireworks retailers, particularly during the busy autumn period leading up to Bonfire Night and Diwali.
Photo: Fireworks at Alpha Digital Systems (Ealing Council)
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