Stuttgart (dpa / lsw) - After the nationwide restrictions on New Year's Eve fireworks in the past two years, this time there will only be regional bans in Baden-Württemberg at the turn of the year. "We will not issue a ban on firecrackers from the state side," said Prime Minister Winfried Kretschmann before the start of sales for rockets and firecrackers on Thursday. In the past two years, however, firecrackers were not allowed to be sold in Germany and private fireworks were banned in certain places. The background was the utilization of the hospitals in the corona pandemic.
Exceptions always confirm the rule on New Year's Eve. "The municipalities can do this for parts of their old towns, for example, so that old buildings do not catch fire. That is completely within their autonomy," explained Kretschmann.
Rockets, swarmers, firecrackers and batteries are also banned in Tübingen's old town on New Year's Eve to protect the historic city centre. This fireworks ban has been in place since 2009/2010. A ban on Schlossplatz is also planned in Stuttgart. In Ulm, Heidelberg, Mannheim and Freiburg, on the other hand, there will be no restrictions on New Year's Eve fireworks that go beyond the nationwide regulations.
The prime minister said he could definitely get something out of fireworks. "I think fireworks are a good symbol of human life: short, beautiful and loud." He's more of a spectator now. "From the time my sons were allowed to do it, I stopped doing it," said the head of government of the dpa. "Before, I was fully involved."
Fireworks may only be used in Baden-Württemberg on December 31 and January 1, 2023. Some municipalities have stricter time restrictions. In children's and old people's homes, hospitals and churches, the banging of firecrackers and the launching of rockets is prohibited for reasons of noise protection. However, the debate about a ban is not new and will be held again this year. Opponents of fireworks repeatedly emphasize the dangers for people, animals and the environment.
