Younger Dutch increasingly doubtful about New Year's fireworks

The enthusiasm for lighting fireworks over New Year's is decreasing among young Dutch people. Some 32 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds will probably light fireworks this coming New Year's, compared to 45 percent last year, according to an online survey by I&O Research among over 3 thousand people, NU.nl reports.

The percentage of Dutch who will likely light their own fireworks decreased from 19 percent last year to 16 percent this year, while those who will likely not light fireworks increased from 13 percent to 16 percent. "This could indicate that there is more doubt among firework lighters", the researchers said.

48 percent of the respondents said they support a general ban on consumer fireworks. If such a general ban is combined with a fireworks show at a central location, a majority of 55 percent will support it. Though 29 percent said they will still light fireworks if there is a ban.

A quarter of Dutch said they experience fireworks nuisance over New Year's. 44 percent experience fireworks nuisance outside the designated New Year's lighting times. A growing group of Dutch think that the lighting time should be limited even further - 29 percent in 2016 and 38 percent this year.

Dutch are allowed to light New Year's fireworks between 6:00 p.m. on December 31st and 2:00 a.m. on January 1st. 14 percent of respondents would like the lighting time to start earlier.