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A fireworks shop has lost its licence to store explosives following an investigation into its social media content.
Top Shotter Fireworks Ltd, based on Westgate in Bradford, had its explosives storage licence revoked on Friday, October 16, following an investigation by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service (WYFRS) into "concerning" social media content linked to the business.
The decision was made unanimously by the West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority.
Full fire service statement
A spokesperson for the fire service said: "West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority has unanimously agreed to revoke the explosives storage licence held by Top Shotter Fireworks Ltd for its premises at 53 Westgate, Bradford.
"The decision follows an investigation by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service after information was received concerning social media content associated with the business.
"Under Regulation 23 of the Explosives Regulations 2014, a licensing authority may revoke a licence where information obtained after the licence was granted causes it to consider that the licensee is not a fit person to store explosives."
The authority reviewed evidence gathered by WYFRS and considered both written and oral representations from Top Shotter before reaching its decision.
The spokesperson said: "The business had been given the opportunity to respond to the concerns and its representatives attended a meeting with WYFRS in September to make further representations.
"After considering the evidence and the representation in full, Members unanimously determined that the licence should be revoked."
'Our role is ultimately about protecting the public'
Chris Kemp, senior fire protection manager at WYFRS, said: "The storage of fireworks is a highly regulated activity and those entrusted with an explosives licence have significant responsibilities.
"This has been a detailed process in which the evidence has been carefully considered by the Fire Authority, and the licence holder given the opportunity to provide both written and oral representations.
"Our role is ultimately about protecting the public and ensuring that those licensed to store explosives can be relied upon to do so responsibly and in accordance with the law."
The revocation will take effect at 4pm on Friday, October 23.
Top Shotter Fireworks Ltd has been contacted for comment.