The Council of State says the government must tighten the rules for the upcoming New Year’s Eve fireworks ban. In a critical opinion, the senior legislative advisor questions the cabinet’s plan to allow broad exceptions, warning that this approach conflicts with the law’s aim of ensuring a safe New Year’s Eve.
Under the proposal, associations and foundations may request exemptions from municipalities to set off fireworks despite the ban. They do not need to have any link to the municipality where they apply. The Council of State warns that this would allow national organisations to request exemptions across the country and purchase fireworks on a larger scale. It advises the cabinet to require a local connection when granting exemptions.
The Council of State also says the rules governing the content of exemptions must be stricter. The proposal gives mayors the power to decide how far the public must stand from the firing site. According to the Council of State, the cabinet should set this distance itself. Clear national rules would also give mayors better guidance.
Special enforcement officers (BOAs) are expected to check whether fireworks associations follow all agreements. However, municipalities say that few BOAs are on the streets during New Year’s Eve because it is unsafe. The Council of State questions whether it is responsible to allow exemptions under these conditions.
@ANP |News Brainport
