Most Dutch municipalities reject fireworks exemption requests ahead of national ban

Most municipalities, but largely those in the north of the country, will not grant exemptions this New Year’s Eve for firework displays organized by associations. There is reportedly not enough time to prepare, NU.nl reports.

Of 231 municipalities, 198 said they will not grant a permission. Another 33 said they will allow associations to submit requests. Twenty others said a decision will come in the following weeks.

This is going to be the first New Year’s under the national firework ban. The ban, however, can be exempted for some associations, but strict requirements must be met. The fireworks can only be used on New Year’s Day itself, and a clear safety plan must be submitted in advance. A maximum of 8 adults can participate, but they need to keep sufficient distance.

According to some municipalities, they are not giving out exemptions because that would demand too much of emergency services. Another reason includes wanting to not make enforcement too complicated.

About one-seventh of the municipalities might grant exemptions. “Many people like to celebrate New Year’s Eve together,” said Mayor Tynaarlo Marcel Thijssen. “That arrangement lets associations and foundations do so in an organized way.”

In Twente, many mucucupalites argued that it is better not to grant exemptions due to close proximity to the German border. "Fireworks remain available there, and in practice it is hard to see what is set off legally and illegally," a Haaksbergen spokesperson said.