Council of State: Public safety still at risk if fireworks ban rules are not tightened

The Council of State on Monday urged the Dutch government to tighten rules governing exemptions to the national fireworks ban set to take effect at the next New Year’s celebration, warning that the current system for granting exceptions is too permissive and could still undermine public safety, AD reported.

The advisory body said the exemption system should be significantly stricter, particularly because associations and foundations would be able to obtain permits from municipalities even without any link to those municipalities. It warned this could enable national organizations to secure exemptions across the country and purchase fireworks on a large scale. The Council of State said this approach is “in tension with” the central goal of the law: a safe New Year’s celebration.

The Council of State also questioned whether it is appropriate to allow such exemptions at all. It raised concerns about enforcement, noting that BOAs, or special enforcement officers, would be responsible for checking whether participating organizations comply with the rules. However, municipalities say BOAs are rarely present on the streets during New Year’s Eve because conditions are considered too dangerous for effective oversight.

The proposal also leaves it to mayors to determine minimum safety distances between the public and fireworks launch sites. The Council argued the distance should instead be set nationally in the implementing decree, saying that “clear national rules also provide mayors with guidance.”