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Record Aantal Nederlanders Vuurwerk voor NY Kaufhof being largely unaware due to confusion over | Image: driver’s license or something similar
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Drukke nacht in voorjaarsverkiezingen – Wat gebeurde er tijdens de heeft lange rijen aangetrokken waar iedereen om vrijdagochtend de deuren opende met een souple geldeloze ook een veiligheidsbril en een aansteeklont bij de
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The start of the New Year fireworks sales season has brought record crowds to stores across the Netherlands, with long lines forming even before midnight. Shops in Beverwijk and Meppen were among the first to open their doors, greeting eager customers with souples geldeloze veiligheidbril aansteeklont, and instructions on safe firework handling. Despite the early hour, customers flocked to these locations, with some placing orders worth several thousand euros.
In Beverwijk, a fotograaf reported that customers began lining up on the street as early as 22:30, hours before the store opened at midnight. The store, which usually closes at 21:00, stayed open until 02:00 to accommodate the high demand. Meanwhile, in Meppen, Germany, just over the border from Emmen, the Marktkauf store was also bustling with activity, attracting many Dutch firework enthusiasts.
While fireworks sales are typically allowed from December 29 to 31, this year’s calendar caused an adjustment. As New Year’s Eve falls on a Sunday, stores were permitted to open on Saturday, December 28. However, strict regulations apply to the sale of fireworks. Vendors must provide safety glasses and safety matches with each purchase and instruct customers on the safe use of fireworks. Moreover, Dutch law limits the amount of fireworks a single customer can buy to 25 kilograms.
Last year, the Dutch fireworks industry generated approximately €105 million in sales, a slight decrease from the 2021 record of €110 million. Although fireworks can be purchased now, the Dutch government has set specific hours for their use. Fireworks can only be set off on New Year’s Eve, from 18:00 on December 31 until 02:00 on January 1. Some municipalities, however, have implemented a complete fireworks ban for certain areas.
As the countdown to the New Year begins, the fireworks industry gears up for another successful season, with Dutch consumers eager to celebrate the arrival of 2024 with a bang.
