A shop in Hertfordshire received a ticking off from officers after illegally storing a box of fireworks on top of a toilet and inside the boot of a car.

Bonfire Night means a busy time for the county council's Trading Standards team, who regularly inspect the 100 premises licensed to store fireworks in order to ensure they are compliant with safety legislation.

Shops need a licence to store products containing a net mass of 5kg to 2,000kg of explosives. All-year sellers must have an extra licence to sell outside of the permitted selling period of October 15 to November 10, December 26 to 31 and three days before Diwali and Chinese New Year.

But officers were forced to take action after visiting the store in question and finding they had ignored warnings – storing large amounts of explosives casually on top of a toilet and in a car parked on the street.

The items were seized and the store had its explosives licence revoked.

The public are being urged to enjoy fireworks at organised fireworks displays rather than private parties in gardens – which carry much higher safety risks.

Cllr Ajanta Hilton, Hertfordshire County Council's portfolio holder for public health and community safety, said: "If you're celebrating Bonfire Night, we want you to have fun and stay safe.

"I strongly encourage people to attend a professionally organised firework display, which is much safer for you and your family, rather than buying and setting off your own fireworks.

"Our Trading Standards team are working hard, inspecting retailers and ensuring fireworks meet safety standards, to protect our communities. If you do wish to purchase fireworks, please do so from a reputable retailer and make sure they have a CE or UKCA mark."

People who are going to private parties with fireworks should take note of the following safety measures:

• Make sure the product labels feature the CE or UKCA mark. Keep them in their original packaging and use them one at a time.
• Do not buy fireworks from unknown retailers on social media sites.
• Remember it is illegal for under-18s to buy fireworks.
• Before letting off fireworks, read all the safety instructions on the box so you know important things like how far away people need to stand. If you do not understand the instructions and warnings, do not use the firework.

Fireworks are inherently dangerous products categorised as explosives and are age-restricted. The law states they must be stored in a safe manner and there is a heightened risk in shops with flats above them or near residential properties.

Illegal products such as old stock labelled as in compliance with BS 7114 or category 4 fireworks are for professional use only and should not be available to the public.

Sellers and their staff must understand the importance of fireworks safety as they are having to handle the fireworks at busy times. Misuse can result in antisocial behaviour and injury.