Flemish Minister for Animal Welfare Ben Weyts is calling for a federal ban on the private sale of fireworks to individuals, pointing to injuries among humans and animals ahead of the upcoming holiday season. Weyts stated that the brief enjoyment of fireworks does not outweigh the potential consequences, arguing for a broader approach than separate municipal bans.
Federal Action Sought After 2019 Court Ruling
The call for a federal prohibition follows a parliamentary question from Vooruit member of parliament Gianna Werbrouck concerning private pyrotechnics and preparations for the end-of-year period. Flanders previously attempted to restrict fireworks usage through a 2019 decree, but the Constitutional Court annulled that regulation due to jurisdictional issues. That legal setback shifted attention back to the federal level and local municipal measures.
During a previous parliamentary debate on the topic, Weyts outlined a starting point to invert the rule entirely by prohibiting fireworks in principle, while leaving room for local authorities to permit displays in specific places and times with professional supervision. Because of that jurisdictional history, the minister is not issuing an immediate regional ban himself, but is instead asking federal parties to act on proposals currently on the table.
Did You Know? In 2019, a Flemish decree was approved to restrict fireworks use, but the Constitutional Court subsequently annulled the regulation due to a division of powers issue.
Safety Risks Beyond the Person Lighting the Fuse
Safety regulations emphasize maintaining distance from people, homes, and parked vehicles because hazards extend far beyond the individual who ignites a firework. Spectators and surrounding properties face direct risks, and unexploded pyrotechnics can remain dangerous after initial ignition. For animals, the primary hazards involve loud noises and panic, which frequently trigger flight behavior resulting in injured or missing pets.
Municipal Restrictions and Future Legislation
Ahead of the previous New Year’s Eve celebration, roughly seven out of ten Flemish cities and towns already enforced local bans. Weyts views this high adoption rate as proof of growing public concern, though he notes that patchwork local rules differ from a universal retail prohibition. Regulations governing the sale, possession, and detonation of pyrotechnics remain distinct legal categories.
A local prohibition on setting off fireworks does not automatically dictate the rules governing purchasing or owning them. The precise scope of any future federal measure will depend entirely on the text ultimately approved by lawmakers. Whether a new federal ban will take effect, what exceptions it might contain, and when it would launch remain subject to ongoing political decision-making.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Ben Weyts targeting the federal level for a fireworks ban?
Flanders previously passed a decree in 2019 to limit fireworks, but the Constitutional Court annulled the regulation over a competency issue. This left regulatory changes dependent on federal law or separate municipal rules.
How many Flemish municipalities already restrict fireworks?
During the previous year-end period, approximately seven out of ten Flemish cities and towns enforced their own local prohibitions against fireworks.
Does a municipal ban on setting off fireworks automatically ban possession?
No. Rules regarding selling, possessing, and detonating fireworks are distinct matters, meaning a local ban on lighting pyrotechnics does not automatically dictate rules for purchasing or owning them.
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