Fireworks may be sold from Thursday. What will mainly be on sale this year? “It’s a witch’s cauldron.”
For 18 years, the three days before New Year’s Eve have been ‘a witch’s cauldron’ at West Vuurwerk on the Sontweg in Groningen. The sewing machine shop next to Ikea must be transformed into a fireworks store in a short period of time. While his employees are clearing the brightly colored fireworks boxes from the shelves, owner Martin West’s phone is constantly ringing.
“Sales start on Thursday. We have also been busy with pre-sales for days. Many people order their fireworks online. It’s a three-day chain, but it’s a great time.”
Not much has changed in terms of rules this year. Explosive fireworks and flares have been officially banned since December 1, 2020, so it is only decorative fireworks that matter. Out of self-preservation, the fireworks industry pays a lot of attention to safety.
West: “Every year, certain products are removed from the range. These are mainly items that have a questionable reputation from a safety point of view, for example fireworks that easily fall over. The importers are trying to import more stable products.”
More and more fireworks-free zones
Fireworks have been keeping people busy for years. Due to the large number of accidents and noise pollution, many drivers are looking to take measures. Research by the ANP shows that more and more municipalities are calling for a national fireworks ban. This includes major cities such as Groningen, Amsterdam, The Hague, Rotterdam and Utrecht. Drenthe and many Groningen municipalities are not interested in this for the time being, because they experience less inconvenience or in their view a ban is difficult to enforce.
In a number of city centers it is no longer allowed. For example, Groningen has designated a number of ‘fireworks-free’ zones, including the entertainment center in the city center and the vicinity of hospitals and care farms. Outside there, you are allowed to let off fireworks on December 31 from 6 p.m. to January 1 at 2 a.m.
The purchase and sale is subject to strict rules. As usual, there are three sales days. This year those are Thursday 28, Friday 29 and Saturday 30 December. Please note: because December 31 falls on a Sunday, this does not count as a sales day. The amount of fireworks people are allowed to possess is also limited. There is a maximum of 25 kilograms per household.
Many northerners buy fireworks in Germany
Consumers may only purchase fireworks from fireworks stores with a permit. Items purchased from (foreign) web shops must be collected from a legal sales point recognized by the municipality. It is a criminal offense to have fireworks delivered to your home. Foreign products must also comply with Dutch legislation. The police say they are monitoring it.
There are also age limits. The minimum age is stated on the packaging. For ‘children’s fireworks’ such as sparklers and bright peas this is 12 years, for more dangerous fireworks such as cakes, compound boxes, ground flowers and fountains 16 years.
Many northerners buy their fireworks in Germany, where they are cheaper on average. According to the Interest Association Pyrotechnics Netherlands (BPN), at least 10 percent of the material used comes from our neighboring country. There too, consumer fireworks may only be sold on December 28, 29 and 30. There is a maximum transport of 25 kilograms per car. It doesn’t matter how many passengers are in it.
‘You actually have half a fireworks show in front of your house’
According to West, the trend is for increasingly larger decorative fireworks to be sold. “Then you are mainly talking about thick, heavy cakes and compound boxes. They produce decorative effects high in the air with a bang. You put down a box, light it and sometimes you have two minutes of viewing pleasure. You actually have half a fireworks show in front of your house.”
Of course, that comes with a price tag. According to West, compound boxes vary in price from 80 to 600 euros. This does not deter the enthusiast. “I expect similar sales as in 2022. That was a top year. From the pre-sales I deduce that we are now moving in the same direction, despite the fact that life has become considerably more expensive. Many people want to celebrate something in these dark times.”