Government announces rules for permitted group fireworks after ban comes into effect

To set off fireworks on New Year’s Eve, individuals must get municipal permission as part of a registered group. Each permit allows up to eight participants, all of whom must be at least 16 years old, with at least two adults present. Alcohol or drug use is strictly prohibited for anyone handling fireworks.

Caretaker State Secretary for Environment Thierry Aartsen announced the rules after the Cabinet meeting. Parliament had already approved a ban on consumer fireworks, but called for the possibility of organized group displays in neighborhoods. These regulations implement that request, and the ban will take effect for the upcoming New Year’s Eve.

Aartsen said he kept the number of national regulations to a minimum. Municipalities can determine if local circumstances call for extra or stricter requirements. The rules are designed to make it easier for police to enforce them, as they will know in advance where permits are valid and where they are not.

The state secretary acknowledged that he does not expect the “troublemakers” who ambushed emergency responders and threw heavy fireworks on New Year’s Eve to follow the rules. “They won’t be applying for permits,” he said. “And they won’t be sitting around playing rummikub or 30 Seconds either.”

Allowing organized group fireworks displays was one of three conditions Parliament set for the ban. An enforcement plan has already been drawn up, and following the widespread violence last New Year’s Eve, the Cabinet pledged to consider whether stricter measures are necessary. The final step is implementing a compensation scheme for the fireworks sector.

Under each permit, a group may set off 200 kilograms of category F2 fireworks. In addition to no alcohol or drug use, permit holders are required to complete an online safety course and must belong to an official association registered with the Chamber of Commerce.