Over 30 Dutch municipalities are advocating for a national ban on the sale, possession and use of fireworks.
According to a survey by Dutch news agency ANP involving 150 municipalities, a nationwide prohibition would be more effective than a series of local bans.
Advocates include the country’s four major cities, Amsterdam, Rotterdam, The Hague and Utrecht, which have all previously championed the cause – without success – at both local authority and parliamentary level. “A national ban provides more clarity for residents, vendors and officers,” and is more effective, The Hague’s mayor, Jan van Zanen, explained.
Other municipalities such as Groningen, Haarlem and Zoetermeer have also spoken out in favour of a nationwide ban. “We are not against fireworks, we are concerned about the damage and injuries caused by mishandling them,” Zoetermeer's city officials said.
Municipalities opposing the ban argue that fireworks are an age-old tradition that should be preserved.
“In the municipalities, there’s a long tradition of celebration on New Year’s Eve,” representatives of the Dantumadiel and Noardeast-Fryslân municipalities in Friesland said.
“Firing fireworks responsibly and safely is part of this tradition. Here, people are considerate towards each other and address one another in the event of excesses,” they added.
