Support for a fireworks ban remains as high as ever: “More than enough bloody bangs”

Joost from Hilversum even flees the fireworks in the Netherlands. “I am a fireworks refugee. Just after Christmas, my wife and I are going to France with our two dogs. Not that that country should be our example in everything, but New Year’s Eve is celebrated there peacefully.”

The same applies to Monique from the municipality of Dijk en Waard. “We have been fleeing from the fireworks around December 31 for years. That means a few days in a fireworks-free holiday park in the Netherlands for 1,000 euros. middle of nowhere because our dog is completely stressed.”

Sleeping tomcat died from fireworks

Animal suffering is a word that is used more often. “My dogs are terrified and don’t dare go outside. We are more than tired of that damn banging,” responds Linda from Alkmaar. Elvira’s tomcat from Haarlemmermeer even died due to fireworks. “He was sleeping in the garden and was hit by fireworks that were set off and thrown over the fence. He died of serious internal bleeding.”

Since last year there has been a ban on fireworks and flares, among other things. Although there is a lot of support for this, for many people it does not go far enough. Then there are also municipalities that have imposed a complete ban themselves: Amsterdam, Heemstede, Haarlem and Bloemendaal. The largest group of panel members is not in favor of this.

Nearly two-thirds are in favor of a complete ban

A total of 62 percent would prefer to see fireworks disappear completely in the Netherlands. Just as much as last year. “I worked in the Beverwijk burn center years ago. I saw too much there to find fireworks fun and beautiful,” says Annemarie from the municipality of Zaanstad.

Below you can see the opinion of the NH News panel on a fireworks ban over the years. Text continues below.

However, there is also a large group that enjoys lighting fireworks. 36 percent indicate that they are not in favor of a complete ban. They see it as a great way to ring in the old year. “It’s always the highlight of the year for me,” says John from Amsterdam.

‘A rocket for my deceased son’

It is always an emotional moment for panel member Shirley from Beverwijk. “The only thing I light are three rockets. One for my deceased son, one for my deceased mother and one for all the lovely people who have unfortunately lost us.”

Many fireworks enthusiasts argue that a ban cannot be enforced. Moreover, they see illegal fireworks as the main culprit of most nuisance. And a ban would only increase the number of heavy fireworks, is a common reaction.

“Fireworks are tradition, my passion. I live for that one day of the year. People coming together, talking to neighbors, having fun. The government should keep their dirty, dirty claws away from our traditions,” is the clear opinion of Jay from Dijk en Waard.

But there are concerns about illegal fireworks among both supporters and opponents. A majority of the House of Representatives wants illegal fireworks to be covered by the Weapons Act. As a result, the penalties, currently a fine of 400 euros to 9 months in prison, become heavier than they are now.

Viewing illegal fireworks as a weapon and punishing them more severely

An overwhelming majority of respondents, 87 percent, think that is a good idea. 8 percent disagree, 5 percent don’t know or have no opinion. As an alternative to lighting fireworks yourself, most NH News panel members (58 percent) think a fireworks show is a good idea. 16 percent think so to a reasonable extent, and almost a quarter do not want to know anything about it.

The latter group also includes Amsterdam fireworks seller Jeffrey Beekhoven. According to him, there are too few people to realize this and the costs are also too high for municipalities. “Much more can happen throughout the year than on that one beautiful evening. Leave it alone, do some other research and ask about the value of this tradition, because now you are sending the questions in the wrong direction.”