Dutch municipalities block local fireworks shows as national ban begins
At least 80 Dutch municipalities have canceled plans for local fireworks shows. Officials say they lack enough time to review applications and do not have enough specialized police officers to enforce the rules. The move comes as the national fireworks ban is set to take effect on the 1st of August.
Cities that are refusing the shows include Eindhoven, Nijmegen, Tilburg, Utrecht, Zwolle, Amsterdam, Delft, Deventer, Leiden, and Breda. The number is expected to rise, according to NOS.
A majority in the Tweede Kamer backed the ban. It was advanced by the Partij voor de Dieren and GroenLinks-PvdA (now PRO).
Fireworks supporters pushed for an amendment to keep part of the tradition alive. It allows local groups to organize small shows. ChristenUnie, SGP, CDA, and D66 supported the change. The goal was to permit events “without excesses and hassle,” according to ChristenUnie. That amendment helped the overall ban pass both chambers of parliament.
Lawmakers had foreseen problems with the exception. BBB lawmaker Caroline van der Plas warned that it would require many permits. She predicted most applications would be denied.
“Then I foresee that a whole lot of permits simply will not be granted,” van der Plas said. She added that this would end local fireworks even in communities where celebrations had gone well before.
The application process is complex. Organizers must consult neighbors, meet heavy administrative requirements, and obtain insurance covering 2.5 million euros in potential damage. They also need a certificate of good conduct (VOG), an alcohol permit if applicable, and a safe location.
Several parties—ChristenUnie, BBB, SGP, PVV, FvD, and SP—had warned that municipalities would struggle to manage the exception.
The Association of Netherlands Municipalities supported rules for local shows. However, many mayors opposed them. They feared they could possibly not review applications or enforce the rules in time.
Those warnings have now become reality. Municipalities are choosing not to move forward with local fireworks events, citing the lack of time.
