New year, new attempt: MPs to revive firework ban legislation

The pro-animal PvdD and the GroenLinks-PvdA alliance are planning a new attempt to introduce a nationwide ban on consumer fireworks, RTL Nieuws reported on Friday.

The two parties intend to revive legislation they drafted in 2022 but which never went to a vote because not enough MPs supported it.

Now, however, the parties believe this may have changed. “We think society is ready for a ban,” MP Geert Gabriëls told the broadcaster.

“The police unions want it, doctors, hospitals, and emergency service workers are all in favour,” he said. “And research by RTL has shown that a majority of the population supports it. So we hope every MP will make up their own mind and vote for a ban.”

Two people died, dozens lost hands and eyes, and €16 million worth of damage was caused to private property on the night of 31 December.

A ban on consumer fireworks in 19 towns and cities was widely ignored, leaving mayors to call for a nationwide ban on sales.

The proposed ban would allow category F1 fireworks, but no others. These are very small, often suitable for indoor use, and require a safety distance of one metre.

Prime Minister Dick Schoof said after this year’s New Year fireworks frenzy that the government had no intention of introducing legislation for a ban.

According to RTL, the position of the ruling VVD party is crucial. While the party itself does not currently support a ban, a growing number of prominent members have called for a change of stance.

In 2020, VVD councillors in Amsterdam voted in favour of a city-wide ban.