Sainsbury’s is the first UK supermarket to ban the sale of fireworks in all 2,300 branches after recognising the distress they cause to animals and vulnerable people.

In a supermarket first, Sainsbury’s has announced that it has banned the sale of fireworks across all 2,300 branches in the UK this year amid concerns for the distress the noise and flashes cause animals and vulnerable people.

The supermarket’s decision was revealed after a customer tweeted the company to confirm whether it would be selling fireworks this year.

In the tweet, Sally Woolf said: “Have to say well done and thank you. Been informed local branch #Stanmore won’t be selling fireworks this year due to the distress it causes our pets and wildlife. Any other stores doing this? Can’t thank you enough as my dog is beside herself with fear at these times.”

@sainsburys Have to say well done & thank you. Been informed local branch #Stanmore won’t b selling fireworks this year due 2 the distress it causes our pets & wildlife. Any other stores doing this? Can’t thank you enough as my dog is beside herself with fear at these times. 👏🏻👏🏻 — Sally Woolf (@Sallymcb) October 14, 2019

A Sainsbury’s spokesperson said: “Fireworks are no longer available in our stores, but customers can continue to choose from a range of seasonal products, such as glow sticks and light up spinning wands.”

Distressing

The move has also been welcomed by Dogs Trust who said: “We congratulate Sainsbury’s on their decision not to sell fireworks this year and would encourage others to do the same. 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.