Quiet and Calm New Year’s Eve in Alkmaar Despite Fireworks Ban
Despite the widespread flouting of the fireworks ban, the city of Alkmaar looks back on a ‘manageable’ New Year’s Eve. The Northwest Hospital’s emergency department saw only four fireworks injuries, significantly lower than the twelve, including one severe case, seen last year. In the preceding two years, the numbers were seven and six respectively.
While the municipality cannot attribute the decline solely to the ban, spokesperson Rinske de Wit-Brandsma noted, "Last year was a very active New Year’s Eve, but we’ve also had years when it was even quieter."
There were no major incidents during the night, but police reported some disturbances. In the Vroonermeer neighborhood, things were ‘unusually restless’ at the start of the evening. In Overdie, units in plain clothes were deployed to calm the situation, with local residents ultimately restoring order.
In total, 16 fines were issued for fireworks violations. There were some reports of damage and small fires, but no more than in previous years. The city’s indoor soccer tournaments, designed to keep young people off the streets, were a resounding success, with many community centers opening their doors to youth.
"I think it’s really positive to see that a lot of young people were involved in these activities," stated a city spokesperson. "In particular, the Mare neighborhood was bustling with activity."
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