Dutch MPs back motion to restrict legal fireworks to those 18 and older

The Tweede Kamer, the lower house of Dutch parliament, has agreed that, under the planned fireworks ban, only people aged 18 and over should be allowed to set off fireworks legally. A motion proposing this measure, put forward by CDA and the Partij voor de Dieren, secured majority support on Tuesday.

The coalition party VVD backed the motion as well. Although it had earlier expressed doubts about a fireworks ban, the party reversed its position last year.

The plan is for the fireworks ban to come into force this coming New Year’s Eve. Organizations and foundations will be able to request exemptions to legally set off fireworks.

While the previous government suggested a minimum age of 16 for fireworks use, the Tweede Kamer wants it set at 18. CDA State Secretary for Infrastructure and Water Management Annet Bertram agrees with the increase, and both the Association of Dutch Municipalities and the police have called for the age limit to be raised.

“Fireworks are not toys, they are dangerous,” said MP Ines Kostić of the Partij voor de Dieren. She filed the motion alongside CDA MP Jantine Zwinkels. “Fireworks displays attract dozens or even hundreds of spectators, some of whom may be intoxicated. The people igniting the fireworks carry a huge extra responsibility.”

Municipalities and the police, “based on their knowledge and experience,” called for the age limit to be raised to 18, Kostić said. “We support that.”