De Vector

Regions refuse fireworks exemptions in first year of ban

Municipalities in three regions are adopting a uniform approach and will not allow associations to set off fireworks during the coming New Year celebrations.

The Achterhoek, Gooi en Vechtstreek and six municipalities in West-Friesland will not grant exemptions for organised consumer fireworks during the coming New Year celebrations. The decisions follow the nationwide ban that has been in force since 1 August, under which municipalities could still allow local exceptions.

Since 1 August, private individuals in the Netherlands have been prohibited from buying, possessing or setting off consumer fireworks, except for category F1 fireworks, such as sparklers and bang snaps. The Safe New Year’s Celebrations Act does, however, allow mayors to grant exemptions under certain conditions to local associations or foundations. Professional fireworks companies can still put on shows with the required permits.

In Gooi en Vechtstreek, the municipalities have agreed not to make use of that option this year. Wijdemeren writes that there was too little time to establish rules, application procedures, police advice and supervision carefully. The municipality says all municipalities in the region have therefore chosen the same approach, so that residents and organisers face the same rules everywhere.

The eight municipalities in the Achterhoek are also granting no exemptions. They cite limited possibilities for supervision and enforcement, as well as safety and liability risks, as reasons. The municipalities mainly want to provide residents, associations and other parties involved with clarity at an early stage. They intend to evaluate the policy after the New Year celebrations.

In West-Friesland, the municipalities concerned are Opmeer, Stede Broec, Enkhuizen, Drechterland, Medemblik and Hoorn. The mayors took the decision in consultation with the police and the Public Prosecution Service. Professional shows remain possible, but associations and foundations may not set off consumer fireworks themselves. The exception for F1 fireworks remains in place.

The decisions show how the new nationwide ban is being implemented locally. The law sets the general rule, but the scope for organised exceptions is not resulting in the same policy everywhere. Some municipalities had already announced that they did not want to grant exemptions; others still had to determine whether they could implement the new procedure.

For organisers, the regional choice means they cannot rely on a local exception for these New Year celebrations. For fireworks retailers and professional organisers, the market is consequently shifting towards permitted F1 fireworks and shows held under licence. It is not yet clear whether municipalities will choose the same approach next year: the three regions refer to an evaluation after the first New Year celebrations under the new law.

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