Two thirds of NL residents support fireworks ban

Over two thirds of Netherlands residents are in favor of banning New Year's fireworks, according to a survey by I&O Research. The vast majority plan to adhere to the government's ban this year. Among the small proportion who will still light fireworks, there are remarkably many young men who vote PVV and live in the north and east of the country, RTL Nieuws reports.

Of the over 1,100 Netherlands residents surveyed, 69 percent are in favor of banning consumer fireworks, up from less than half last year. They believe that fireworks pollute the environment and harm both people and animals. About 40 percent still called New Year's fireworks a beautiful tradition that should be preserved. 

Last month the government banned the sale and lighting of fireworks this New Year's, in order not to put any extra pressure on a healthcare system already overburdened by the coronavirus pandemic. 86 percent of Netherlands residents will adhere to this ban and not light fireworks this New Year's. Of those who still plan to light fireworks, relatively many are young men who vote for the PVV. In Groningen, Friesland, and Drenthe, 11 percent of the population will light fireworks this year.