Czech govt. approves new bill regulating sale and use of fireworks

Following discussion earlier this year, the Czech government has approved a new bill that introduces stricter regulations on the sale and use of fireworks, aiming to enhance public safety and reduce noise pollution. The proposed legislation next requires approval from both the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate before being signed into law.

Under the new bill, the sale of fireworks would be banned at markets, stalls, and other portable setups, limiting purchases to brick-and-mortar stores. The least dangerous (F1) category of consumer fireworks, such as bang snaps and sparklers, would be exempt from the sales restrictions.

Sales of higher classes of fireworks are restricted by age, and in some cases, pyrotechnic licenses. The new bill would also require online shops to verify a customer meets the required criteria before allowing them to purchase.

"The goal is to establish rules for the use and sale of fireworks that ensure the safety of users and their surroundings," Czech Minister of Industry and Trade Jozef Síkela told reporters earlier this week. "We unanimously agreed on a stringent approach."

In addition to the restrictions on sales, the new bill also includes regulations on the use of fireworks. Local towns and cities would have the authority to ban the use of fireworks within their jurisdictions either permanently or for specified periods. This provision aims to address growing concerns about the impact of fireworks on public safety and animal welfare.

The proposed bill also mandates a safety distance of at least 250 meters from certain sensitive locations when setting off fireworks. These locations include hospitals, senior homes, day-care centers, animal shelters, wildlife rescue stations, and zoos.

In the Czech Republic, fireworks are categorized into several classes based on their potential danger. Categories F1 to F4 cover consumer fireworks, with higher numbers indicating greater risk. Professional fireworks fall under categories T1 and T2, while other types of pyrotechnics are labeled P1 and P2.

The new bill reflects a growing trend towards quieter celebrations, with many citizens favoring stricter controls on fireworks to reduce disturbances. If passed, these new regulations would be among the most comprehensive in the European Union.