GERMANY TO BAN FIREWORKS ON NEW YEAR’S EVE

Fri 03 December 2021:

On Thursday, German federal and regional officials agreed to prohibit mass gatherings and the sale of fireworks during New Year’s celebrations, citing worries that the country’s healthcare system would be overburdened.

“A ban on gatherings will be in place during the New Year’s period. In addition, a ban will be imposed on the launch of fireworks in places that will be determined by the municipal authorities. The sale of pyrotechnics before St. Sylvester’s Day (December 31) will be altogether prohibited this year. It is advised not to launch fireworks due to a high risk of injury and the strain it will put on the already struggling healthcare system,” the document, adopted at a meeting between acting Chancellor Angela Merkel and the heads of German regions, read.

According to the paper, companies affected by the bans would be reimbursed by the authorities.

Last year, similar measures were enacted. In Berlin, 54 areas were designated as fireworks-free zones, which were guarded by additional police units. According to the local media, city residents still set off fireworks on a much lesser scale than before the outbreak. Firefighting authorities later corroborated the findings, reporting a roughly two-fold decrease in emergency calls on New Year’s Eve compared to previous years.

Catastrophic for Industry

The Association of the Pyrotechnic Industry (VPI) said it was shocked by the “catastrophic decision” by federal and state governments to ban fireworks and the sale of pyrotechnic products on New Year’s Eve for a second year in a row.

VPI President Thomas Schreiber said the decision was driven by panic and not based on facts.

In contrast, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) welcomed the ban as good news for pets, birds and other wildlife.

“The turn of the year is often a traumatic experience for animals,” PETA official Jana Hoge said.

Every year on New Year’s Eve, millions of animals suffered from the noise, flashes of lightning and the unfamiliar smells created by firecrackers, Hoge said.

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