summer 2017 round-uP plan ahead for the fireworks season With summer finally here, you might not want to think about autumn and winter but now is the time to start planning for 5 November, particularly if you will be storing and selling fireworks for the first time. on a standard licence, you can stock and sell them from three weeks before Bonfire Night, but you need to allow time for the licensing authority to process your application. This may include a visit from officers to check that your premises are suitable after which there may be recommendations for improvements. The licence application will be reconsidered after the work is carried out. RouNd-uP The health and safety of your staff and members of the public is critical, so when you apply for a licence you will be asked to complete a form and submit plans of the premises, as well as a risk assessment covering your storage and fire safety. To avoid the disappointment and loss of trade from a delayed application, start early in July is recommended. If you need advice about the process, call your licensing authority, or visit its website. In many authorities, your local trading standards service will also be able to help, or if you trade in an area covered by West Midlands Fire Service click here. The Health and Safety Executive is responsible for the oversight of explosives legislation, and produces a wealth of guidance. Visit its website to make a start. The next edition of TSBN will feature all theadvice you need to sell fireworks within the law, plus helpful guidance on running events safely from a food, drink and firesafety perspective. Credit: Brandon Cook iStock.com /Nikada proteCt your CuStomerS againSt SCamS Scams come in many forms: unsolicited emails, letters, telephone calls or in person all making false promises in order to con people like Joe out of money. the most common are fake lotteries, deceptive prize draws or sweepstakes, clairvoyants, computer cons, and romance scams. many businesses such as banks, post offices and newsagents have regulars that they get to know well. you may be able to help vulnerable customers by learning more about scams, how to identify a possible victim and what to do to help them. friends against Scams is a national trading Standards Scams team initiative, which aims to prevent people from becoming victims of fraudsters by empowering communities to take a Stand against Scams. it is designed to inspire action, highlight the scale of the problem, change the perceptions of why people fall for scams, and make it a community, regional and national issue. you can become a Friend Against scams by attending an awareness session or completing the online training. With increased knowledge, people can make scams part of their everyday conversation with family, friends, neighbours and customers, allowing them to protect themselves and others. Credit: Carrie Morris view the video to see how a call-blocker is helping Joe, 86, to feel safer for further information please contact your local trading Standards Service