How to apply for an explosives and fireworks licence

On 31 October 2016, the London Borough of Bexley joined the Licensing Partnership to process and issue licensing applications for Bexley Council.

The Licensing Partnership is a partnership of local authorities comprising Maidstone Borough Council, Sevenoaks District Council and Tunbridge Wells Borough Council.

Central administration for the Licensing Partnership is based at Sevenoaks, with Licensing Officers located at each local authority. The team at Sevenoaks will input applications, process payments (except continuation fees), deal with administrative queries and issue licences.

The manufacture or storage of explosives (including fireworks) may require a licence.

A summary and guidance on the manufacture and storage of explosives regulations are available on HSE - Explosives. If you intend to sell fireworks outside of prescribed times you will require a separate licence.

If you wish to manufacture explosives, you will need to obtain a licence from the Health and Safety Executive.

If you wish to store fireworks you are, subject to certain exemptions, required to obtain a licence with the Licensing Partnership.

Fees and charges

Fireworks Regulations 2004.

  • licence of premises to sell fireworks all year £500
  • renewal of licence £500

The Explosives Regulations 2014.

Licence to store explosives

Licence to store explosives where a minimum separation distance of greater than 0 metres is prescribed (separation distance required).

New licence application:

  • one year duration £202
  • general admin charge - for work on applications which cannot be resolved/made valid (to be deducted from any refund of application fee - where this exceeds the application fee then no refund shall be given) £54

Renewal:

  • one year duration £94
  • two year duration £161
  • three year duration £226
  • four year duration £291
  • five year duration £357
  • general admin charge - for work on applications which cannot be resolved/made valid (to be deducted from any refund of application fee - where this exceeds the application fee then no refund shall be given) £54

Licence to store explosives where no minimum separation distance or a 0 metres separation distance is prescribed (no separation distance required).

New licence application:

  • one year duration £119
  • general admin charge - for work on applications which cannot be resolved/made valid (to be deducted from any refund of application fee - where this exceeds the application fee then no refund shall be given) £54

Renewal:

  • one year duration £59
  • two year duration £94
  • three year duration £132
  • four year duration £166
  • five year duration £202
  • general admin charge - for work on applications which cannot be resolved/made valid (to be deducted from any refund of application fee - where this exceeds the application fee then no refund shall be given) £54

Varying a licence:

  • change of name of licensee or address of site £40
  • any other kind of variation (the reasonable cost to the licensing authority of having the work carried out) Work carried out by LA
  • transfer of licence or registration £40
  • replacement of licence if lost £40
  • general admin charge - for work on applications which cannot be resolved/made valid (to be deducted from any refund of application fee - where this exceeds the application fee then no refund shall be given) £54

Apply

To make an application contact:

The Licensing Partnership
Council Offices
Sevenoaks
Kent
TN13 1GP

Or complete a licensing enquiry form.

Please note that licences run from 1 September to 31 August. 

If you wish to store other explosives or need further information, please contact the Licensing Partnership.

Fireworks

If you intend to sell fireworks, other than during the following periods, you will require a licence under the Firework Regulations 2004:

  • New Year
  • Chinese New Year
  • 15 October to 10 November
  • Diwali