Fireworks sales disappointing as loud blasts fall out of favour

The fireworks industry expects a fall in the sale of fireworks this year, particularly when it comes to bangers, Leo Groeneveld, chairman of the interest association Pyrotechnics Netherlands said to RTL Nieuws. According to Groeneveld, bangers are falling out of favor mainly due to the limited firework lighting times. Dutch are only allowed to light fireworks on New Year's eve between 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. "In the past people lit many bangers during the day", he said to the broadcaster. Another reason for the declining popularity is that bangers are tainted by the disturbances caused by illegal fireworks. "People are tired of the extremely loud bangs of illegal fireworks." The total turnover of the fireworks sector declined over the past few years, but Groeneveld think that this year may turnout to be somewhat better. "The economy is doing better, the mood is somewhat better. So we expect fireworks to achieve the same turnover as last year."