Fireworks

No Exemptions for Club Fireworks

The mayors of the Dommelstroom municipalities—Cranendonck, Geldrop-Mierlo, Heeze-Leende, Nuenen, Son en Breugel, and Valkenswaard—have decided not to exercise the option to grant exemptions for setting off consumer fireworks during the 2026–2027 New Year’s Eve celebrations. As a result, a so-called “zero-tolerance policy” will apply for this first New Year’s Eve under the new Safe New Year’s Eve Act.

Why no exemptions?

The mayors have carefully weighed the various interests and have concluded that it would not be responsible to make use of this option for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebration. Setting off fireworks, even when done in an organized manner, poses risks to participants, bystanders, and property.

Monitoring fireworks activities organized by associations and foundations would require a significant amount of additional effort from the police, enforcement officers, and other emergency services. Especially during New Year’s Eve, these emergency services are already under considerable pressure due to reports and incidents. Implementing the law is a new undertaking and places significant demands on municipalities. Applications would need to be carefully reviewed. Since there is no prior experience with this, it also requires a great deal of time and resources.

Safety comes first

The mayors believe it is important to provide residents, organizations, and other stakeholders with clarity well before the end of the year. This way, organizations will know where they stand, and no preparations will be made for applications that ultimately cannot be approved.

A safe New Year’s Eve is important for everyone: for residents who want to celebrate, as well as for the police, fire department, and other emergency services that are on standby that night to ensure our safety.

For the 2026–2027 New Year’s celebrations, we are opting for an approach that is feasible, enforceable, and, above all, safe. Next year, based on the experience we’ve gained, we will reassess the situation.

F1 fireworks are allowed

Category 1 (F1) fireworks are the only type of consumer fireworks permitted during New Year’s Eve 2026 and thereafter. Category 1 fireworks include sparklers, firecrackers, string flares, and small fountains. You must be at least 12 years old to purchase this type of fireworks.

Fine or criminal record

The police and special enforcement officers are enforcing the nationwide fireworks ban. If you fail to comply, you may be fined or even receive a criminal record.

Carbide blasting: only with a waiver

Carbide shooting is not covered by the national fireworks ban and is regulated by the municipal General Public Order and Safety Bylaw (APV). Would you like to engage in carbide shooting in Son en Breugel? If so, you must apply for an exemption. You can do this by filling out a notification form on the website. You are liable to prosecution if you engage in carbide shooting without an exemption.