Setting off fireworks has been commonplace during the New Year for decades. But whether it is a lasting tradition is debatable.

Tomorrow is the day: New Year’s Eve. For many Dutch people one of the highlights of the year. Not only because we celebrate the start of the new year, but also because we often herald it with a lot of noise. Setting off fireworks has actually been part of it for years. However, not everyone is happy with it. And for some, the current fireworks ban – and last year’s – is a welcome relief. Sounds to change the fireworks tradition around New Year’s Eve are also getting louder. Are we at the dawn of a permanent fireworks ban? Or… is the setting off of fireworks too deeply rooted in our tradition?

Fireworks ban

During the coming New Year’s Eve, just like last year, no fireworks may be sold and lit. The cabinet wants to prevent fireworks victims from having to go to hospital. Because the workload in healthcare has been too high for a long time because of the coronavirus that is still around. It means we have to do without screaming kitchen maids, flares and strings this year. And more and more Dutch people see that every year. More than 650,000 people have now an online petition signed calling for a ban on consumer fireworks. And that while in 2019 this petition was still signed by 150,000 Dutch people; an increase of no less than 500,000 people. Moreover, research by I&O Research shows that the majority of the Dutch (63%) are in favor of a private ban. Apparently such a fireworks ban is gaining ground.

Image: I&O Research

The reasons for a permanent fireworks ban? Signatories to the petition mentioned above claim that harmless entertainment often degenerates into violence and nuisance, the heavy toxins are not compatible with responsible environmental policies and that wasting almost 70 million euros a year is not appropriate in a world where billions of people live on less than one euro per day.

Fireworks victims

In addition, there are quite a few fireworks victims every year. For example, on December 31, 2019 and January 1, 2020, there were about 1,300 fireworks victims. Last year there were ‘only’ 400 – thanks to the fireworks ban. fewer people will go through life permanently maimed,” says Imelda Tappeiner, lecturer in Constitutional and Administrative Law at Utrecht University, in conversation with Scientias.nl.

Environment

A permanent fireworks ban also has several advantages with regard to the environment. “Think of less frightened animals, fewer harmful substances in the air (particulate matter) and also less water and soil pollution due to heavy metals contained in fireworks,” Tappeiner sums up. “Illegal heavy fireworks are even more dangerous for health and the environment because they contain more and more dangerous substances than in ‘normal’ decorative fireworks.”

Pets

Moreover, during the New Year’s Eve, dog owners are busy trying to calm their fearful four-legged friend. Although physical injury caused by fireworks to pets is uncommon, behavioral problems are becoming more and more common due to the noise pollution caused by fireworks. “Clinical studies indicate that fear of loud noises is increasingly being diagnosed (estimated at 20 percent of the domestic dog population),” said behavioral biologist Claudia Vinke, of Utrecht University. “This also has consequences for animal welfare. Especially dogs and cats that are poorly socialized as young animals and animals that have a hereditary basis to react more sensitively to (sound) stimuli, are vulnerable to develop very serious noise fears.”

Permanent fireworks ban?

The question is, however, how big the chance is that there will actually be a permanent fireworks ban. “Although there is no permanent national fireworks ban yet, it could well be headed in that direction,” Tappeiner says. “There is increasing support for this. Environmental damage, noise pollution and animal welfare may also provide sufficient legal grounds for a general ban on consumer fireworks after corona. Until now, however, the government has not supported the introduction of a general nationwide ban. But that can of course change. Such a proposal must, however, be adopted by the House of Representatives and the Senate. Whether there will be a political majority in favor of a ban also depends on public opinion.”

Dutch tradition

And public opinion is somewhat divided. Many proponents of setting off fireworks, for example, refer to the Dutch tradition. Because fireworks during the New Year are of course also part of it. The question is whether a ban on fireworks does not undermine the Dutch tradition. “Setting off individual fireworks is indeed a Dutch tradition,” Tappeiner agrees. “But traditions can change (look at Sinterklaas and Piet) under pressure from activists and changing opinions in public opinion.”

middle way

Fireworks zones can be a middle ground; no fireworks-free zones, but vice versa: specific places where you can set off fireworks. Another alternative for fireworks enthusiasts is a central, professional fireworks show per city or region. For example, in Portugal and France, consumer fireworks are banned and fireworks shows are organized by municipalities.

Does a ban work?

If a national, permanent ban on fireworks is eventually chosen, the question is whether people will actually adhere to it. Last year, despite the fireworks ban, quite a few fireworks were set off throughout the Netherlands at the turn of the year. And this year will probably be no different. About one in ten Dutch people has indicated in research by I&O Research that they still intend to set off fireworks during the New Year’s Eve, despite the fireworks ban. In addition, massive illegal fireworks are brought across the border. And that will continue to be the case after the introduction of a possible permanent fireworks ban. “Of course there will be plenty of people who will flout a ban and elsewhere – don’t forget the internet – will pick up and set off illegal fireworks,” Tappeiner thinks. “A ban is only effective if it is enforced; otherwise it is symbolic and loses all power. However, enforcement is not a Dutch force. It should be noted here that enforcing a fireworks ban is a difficult task that requires a lot of manpower; the setting off of fireworks is very diffuse and scattered.”

Resistance

Whether a national ban will lead to resistance? “Initially there will be resistance, but eventually it will also weaken,” predicts Tappeiner. “There will always be groups out to disrupt public order and seize every opportunity to do so. This is all the more if the dissatisfaction is greater and deeper than just about a fireworks ban (we now also see that with the disturbances under the guise of ‘being against corona measures’). Incidentally, people who have been setting off fireworks responsibly for years will also be disappointed. “Many people who have dutifully obeyed the rules, only set off legal ornamental fireworks and enjoy them, will of course be dissatisfied with a ban,” said Tappeiner.

So it will be a challenge to keep everyone happy; both the people who still want to be safe on the streets at the turn of the year and the people who like to ring in the new year with a bang. “Much will depend on good education, information and good alternatives being offered,” says Tappeiner. “Consider, for example, a beautiful, professional and central fireworks show or other festive activities.” Whether a permanent fireworks ban is really in the offing remains to be seen. In any case, this year we can once again see such a ban unfold. And one thing is certain: we are probably a long way from talking about this.