Fireworks dealers seeing bigger orders in anticipation of potential ban next year
Fireworks dealers are seeing more and larger orders than in the same period in previous years, NOS reports after speaking to 18 dealers. According to the sector organization, fireworks enthusiasts are ordering on a large scale now because this might be the last New Year’s with consumers' fireworks allowed. The government hopes to ban them by next New Year’s.
Sixteen of the 18 dealers NOS spoke to said they were receiving more orders compared to previous years. All 16 said that the orders are also bigger, with increases ranging from 10 to 60 percent.
Bart Pronk of the Association of Dutch Consumers’ Fireworks Dealers confirmed the increase. “Nationally, we see that the number of orders is roughly the same, but the contents per order are considerably larger.” The association doesn’t have official figures available, but Pronk estimates increases of 25 to 30 percent more fireworks per order.
According to Pronk, it’s mostly the real fireworks fans placing orders now. The average consumer will start buying later. “You hear people saying: we’re going all out this year. One last time, enjoying fireworks together, setting them off in front of your house. That’s the tradition that’s coming to an end.”
When the national fireworks ban takes effect, organized groups like neighborhood associations will only be allowed to set off fireworks in designated areas with the mayor’s permission.
