Safety region chiefs call for nationwide ban on New Year fireworks

Photo: Odi Busman
Photo: Odi Busman

The mayors of the Netherlands’ 25 public safety regions are backing a total ban on consumer fireworks during the New Year celebrations, in line with police and emergency service wishes.

The New Year firework mayhem in the Netherlands always results in hundreds of injuries, many serious, and officials say that banning fireworks will allow healthcare workers to focus on coronavirus.

‘A ban can reduce pressure on hospitals, healthcare workers and others,’ safety board chairman Hubert Bruls told broadcaster NOS. ‘New Year will be full of uncertainty. No one knows where we will be at that time. But this measure will help maintain calm.’

Rotterdam is one of the few places that have already said they will ban fireworks, no matter what, but a nationwide ban would give greater clarity, Bruls said.

As yet it is unclear if there is majority support in parliament for a nationwide ban.

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