A paper hat, a joke... and a fine?

It's illegal to sell Christmas crackers to anyone under the age of 12, it seems.  Yes, really - under an EU directive (what else?) crackers are classified as low-grade fireworks and therefore age-restricted when it comes to sales.  Of course what has happened is that shops have erred on the side of caution and refused to sell them to any young person who cannot produce proof of age.  Playing right into UKIP's hands?