That is what Fabian Klinkenberg of the Alkmaarse CNB fireworks. “The ban has been in the air for years, so it is not really a surprise. If you have invested in a bunker in recent years, then that is not very handy, because this was coming.”
“We are lucky that we are not dependent on fireworks. It was a bonus for us at the end of the year, in addition to our core business. But we are indeed forced to stop with that. And that is also a shame. It feels like that has to pay a lot of people for what a small group causes cobras and other illegal fireworks.”
According to Fabian, the ban is especially for wholesalers. “There are about ten that serve the whole of the Netherlands. It is ready for them. But also the approximately eight hundred retailers must be compensated. The industry wants 895 million euros. “
Next Thursday, the House of Representatives will debate the fireworks ban. “The question only seems: does the prohibition go right this year? Then I will say it right away, then we will know where we stand and the compensation amount is also higher. Arrange it nicely anyway.”
Last New Year, there was a room ban in Alkmaar for the first time. There not to notice. “We had a great turnover,” said Fabian. “Maybe a few percent lower than other years.”