Baarle-Hertog will take stronger action against the annual nuisance caused by fireworks tourism. From this year, fireworks can only be purchased online from shops in this border municipality of Baarle-Nassau between 1 October and 31 December. During this period, fireworks shops are only open for customers who want to pick up their order. The customer is not allowed to enter the business with more than one person at the same time.
Shop owners are also required to verify the age of customers. They must also have an operating permit from next autumn. If they do not comply with the rules, temporary or permanent closure is imminent.
The mayor can refuse an application for a permit if public order is at risk. He can also have extra provisions included in the permit, such as installing cameras, placing waste bins and cleaning up waste in the area. The city council of Baarle-Hertog approved these measures on Thursday evening.
Nuisance from fireworks shops
There are six fireworks shops in the built-up area of Baarle-Hertog, most of them on Kapelstraat, Klokkenstraat and Molenstraat. In Belgium, fireworks can be sold all year round, which leads to a lot of nuisance in the border area every year, especially in November and December. This concerns intimidation, illegal parking and leaving litter behind.
In recent years, the municipalities of Baarle-Nassau and Baarle-Hertog have taken numerous measures to limit crowds, such as parking bans, temporary one-way streets and the closure of a certain street. Nevertheless, the nuisance remained great. With the police regulations that have now been adopted, the municipality of Baarle-Hertog can now act more vigorously.
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