Glasgow shopkeeper put neighbours at 'serious risk' by storing fireworks in ceiling

Amjad Javed, who has run ASR Gift Centre in Pollokshields for around 30 years, was visited by Trading Standards officers less than a week before Bonfire Night on October 29, 2020.

The 60-year-old was caught storing the explosives without a licence and in an unsafe manner.

He pleaded guilty to failing to take appropriate measures to prevent a fire or explosion by keeping the fireworks out with their transport boxes, in a room containing cardboard, wood and other combustible materials.

Javed also had the explosives contained within a roof void of a room used as a staff toilet in the Albert Drive shop.

He appeared at Glasgow Sheriff Court for sentencing.

The procurator fiscal depute said: “The shop is on the ground floor of a traditional tenement building with residential properties above.

“Mr Javed previously held a licence authorising the storage of fireworks. At the time of the offence, he did not hold a licence.

“The previous licence contained conditions as to where the fireworks would be stored and the quantity and the type. It required storage within a locked cupboard under the stairs and those on display to be kept in a locked glass cabinet.”

When Trading Standard officers turned up to the shop with police for an inspection, Javed was asked about fireworks and denied having any in the store.

However, the explosives were soon found.

The fiscal depute told Sheriff Valerie Mays: “A quantity had been stored within the shop storage area. They were found within a cupboard, in an uncovered metal cage. These were not within their transport cartons.

“Concerningly, there was also a quantity of fireworks in a roof void within a staff toilet area. The fact these items were being stored without a licence meant authorities had no knowledge of these explosives. If the fire service attended a fire or explosion, they would not be aware of them.

“They were stored in an unsafe manner in the storeroom and the ceiling void.

“I think you have an indication of the risk involved in this. He previously had a licence and knows where they should have been stored in the interest of public safety.”

A letter was sent to Javed following the discovery, asking him questions under caution.

He responded accepting that he did not have a licence and stated the fireworks were not being sold or for sale.

The staff toilet, where fireworks were being stored in a ceiling void. Image: Crown Office

His lawyer said the offences arose from a “lack of thought rather than positive criminality”.

He added: “He is under no illusions, now, the seriousness of these matters and the purposes of the provisions for the protection.

“He expresses remorse. He is truly sorry for the position in which he finds himself in and more particular, for the risk which he now appreciated he had exposed members of the public in general, and in particular, neighbours.

“He didn’t give appropriate thought to the manner in which the fireworks were stored. On reflection, he is hugely embarrassed.

“He has asked me to express his apologies to the court. He has been a member of the community for 30 years at this particular premise without issue.

“He appreciates this might have had more serious consequences, but fortunately it didn’t.”

The court heard that Javed’s business is “not thriving” however, he continues to trade as it provides a focus for him.

The defence solicitor added: “It keeps him engaged with the community and is therapeutic for his health difficulties.”

Sheriff Mays fined Javed, of Shawlands, £1515.

Meanwhile, Trading Standards staff who seized the fireworks, have been praised.

Gary Walker, Glasgow City Council’s Head of Community Safety and Regulatory Services, said: “Fireworks can be very volatile if stored incorrectly.

“The way these items were stored was extremely dangerous – especially as people were living in the flats above. They posed a serious fire risk which was discovered and removed during the team’s visit.

“Antisocial behaviour involving fireworks is a real concern in the run-up to Bonfire Night, particularly in areas like Pollokshields, and our Trading Standards team work closely with Police Scotland to ensure laws are being adhered to.

“Council teams carry out regular spot checks on retail premises to ensure retailers are complying with all relevant legislation and it was during one of those visits that this issue came to light.”