We recently published on a supermarket that has stopped selling fireworks and we got a strong reaction from our readers. 

Over 550 people liked or loved the announcement that Salisbury stopped selling fireworks, with 150 people commenting that they thought this was a good idea and 13 people commenting that they didn’t.

Why should shops stop selling fireworks?

Various readers commented that they felt other shops should follow suit, a key point being that fireworks should be reserved for official events, many highlighting the toll personal firework displays have on pets.

From the comments, sentiments strongly leaned towards banning home bought fireworks, reader Sharon Hill commenting "No need for fireworks to be let off at home should be for organised displays only!".

Another reader Beth Greenall said “At long last! Wish the other supermarkets would follow suit!”, Barbara Ashcroft adding "Safety first for all people and pets.”

Judy Barrett commented: “Yes, they shouldn't be sold to the general public as they get set off on any day, for days and days, and it's not good for animals or people trying to sleep!”

Ute Schwarting said “I won't be missing them. And loads of dogs will be eternally grateful for every firework that wasn't lit!”

READ MORE: 7 ways to protect your dog this fireworks season

A government petition to 'Limit the Sale and Use of Fireworks to Organisers of Licensed Displays Only' held in 2019 garnered 301,610 signatures. 

It was debated in parliament, with the official outcome being 'it would not be appropriate for the Government to ban the public use of fireworks.'. 

You can read more about it here on the petition website. 

"Nanny state" - those who disagree with Sainsbury's stopping the sale of fireworks

Thirteen people felt this was not a good idea, a few bringing up the idea of ‘nanny state’ which suggests they found these measures controlling. 

One reader suggested Sainsbury’s ‘should sell ear defenders for pets instead’, another reader adding ‘for some people dogs, cats, and other animals are more important than people. Bet they enjoy their roast lamb etc. though.’

Sam Slevin’s concern was for safety, commenting that it is a ‘Stupid idea’ because: “Supermarket fireworks are pathetic in comparison to others. 

“Now people will go to pyrotechnic companies to get the real deal.”

Denis Denchev said ‘their loss’, adding: “Ffs, what a world we live in nowadays...people complaining when other people set fireworks off. People complaining that kids are too noisy having fun on the streets."

Krishnakali Sinha’s concern was that this behaviour limited freedom and said: “If this is not a fire hazard then people should have the freedom to buy it although they can be encouraged to choose not to buy it. 

“If there are good reason and a consensus for ‘not to sell it’ then it should be debated in the Parliament and made into a national law. 

“However, for businesses to dictate and control what people should have or not have is not a good idea. 

“The principle is wrong and they should not be given the authority to control people’s lives and choices they make.”

One particular reader didn’t take either side and instead seized the moment to make a joke. 

Neil Petherick said: “A police officer caught two kids playing with a firework and a car battery. He charged one and let the other one off.”

Why don't Sainsbury’s sell fireworks?

Sainsbury’s first stopped selling fireworks in 2019 and the retailer confirmed on October 19 this is the case for 2021 too.

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

The fireworks ban from Sainsbury’s prompted praise from Dogs Trust, a charity focusing on the welfare of dogs.

The charity has urged other big retailers to do the same warning “dog owners are on tenderhooks”.

A spokesperson from the trust said: "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."

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