Czech Republic tightens rules for fireworks

Just in time for New Year's Eve, the Czech Republic has significantly tightened the rules for the sale and use of firecrackers and rockets. A corresponding law came into force in Germany's neighboring country on Monday. Among other things, it prohibits the sale of fireworks at markets and mobile sales stands. Category F1 small fireworks are exempt. For years, German authorities have been warning against the purchase of untested or illegal fireworks from abroad, which repeatedly lead to accidents and serious injuries.

Extensive firework ban zones

A ban on fireworks now applies nationwide in the Czech Republic within a radius of 250 meters around certain facilities. These include hospitals, retirement and nursing homes, animal shelters and zoological gardens as well as agricultural animal husbandry. The law also gives local authorities the option of imposing an extended or even nationwide ban on their territory. The government provides an interactive map on the internet on which the prohibited zones can be displayed as areas marked in red.

High fines

Numerous cities such as Nakhod canceled their professional fireworks show on New Year's Day to avoid coming into conflict with the law. Other cities such as Prague abandoned this tradition years ago. Violators of the new firework ban zones face fines of up to 100,000 crowns (around 4140 euros) for individuals and up to one million crowns (around 41,400 euros) for organizations.