Turn of the year - Bavarian cities plan firework ban zones for New Year's Eve
As in the past, fireworks will be banned in a number of places in Bavaria at the end of 2023. In the state capital, fireworks may not be set off in the entire pedestrian zone from Marienplatz at the town hall to Stachus, nor at Viktualienmarkt. The ban is based on a danger forecast by the police headquarters and applies from 9 p.m. on New Year's Eve until 2 a.m. on New Year's Day, the city reported. "As in previous years, Munich is also focusing on protecting people, animals and the environment from fireworks at the coming New Year."
At the Viktualienmarkt, the ban is intended in particular to prevent fires at the market stalls, while in the city center it is about the safety of revelers. In addition, there is also a ban on firecrackers in the environmental zone of the Mittlerer Ring in Munich. However, this only applies to firecrackers, other fireworks such as fountains are permitted. "Anyone who does not comply with the bans must expect a fine," warns the administration.
Palaces and castles should be protected from fire
No rockets may be set off around state palaces and castles throughout the Free State on December 31 and January 1. There is an increased risk of fire, emphasized the palace administration. "Rockets, firecrackers and flying sparks pose a considerable risk to historic buildings."
The city of Augsburg has had a general ban on fireworks in the city center for several years. It is not only the setting off of firecrackers and rockets that is prohibited: "Anyone out and about in the city centre is also not allowed to carry any pyrotechnic objects," emphasizes the city. Glass bottles and cans are also not permitted on New Year's Eve.
Police and security service on duty
In Regensburg, the historic Stone Bridge over the Danube will once again be closed to all vehicles and pedestrians this year. In addition, fireworks are banned throughout the old town. Even in the Upper Palatinate World Heritage City, firecrackers and rockets are prohibited.
In Nuremberg, there is a strict ban around the castle. A security service will also check bags there on New Year's Eve to ensure that no fireworks are taken away. In other areas of the Old Town, it is not forbidden to carry pyrotechnics, but their use is prohibited. "Signs mark all prohibited areas and the police check them," emphasizes the city administration.
The environment and animals suffer from fireworks
Animal rights activists in particular have been appealing to all revelers for many years to generally refrain from using pyrotechnics on New Year's Eve. This is because many pets even have to be sedated with medication because otherwise they panic. Wild animals also suffer from the spectacle. "For many people, fireworks on New Year's Eve are fun, but for animals they are often stressful," emphasizes the German Animal Welfare Association.
Deutsche Umwelthilfe is calling on the German government to "permanently end the private purchase and use of pyrotechnics on New Year's Eve". The firecrackers and rockets are not only dangerous, they also cause environmental pollution. "On 1 January, the air in many places is polluted with particulate matter levels that significantly exceed the limits recommended by the World Health Organization," it says in a letter to Federal Minister of the Interior Nancy Faeser (SPD).
Umwelthilfe also points out that wildlife is particularly badly affected because the four-legged friends are unable to classify the banging noises. "For pets, wild animals and so-called farm animals, firecrackers mean stress, panic and often fear of death." More than 180,000 people have now signed the open letter online. Umwelthilfe is aiming for the support of 300,000 people.
City of Munich on firecracker ban zones Information from the City of Augsburg Palace Administration on fireworks ban Information from the City of Regensburg City of Nuremberg on fireworks ban Animal Welfare Association on fireworks Open letter from Deutsche Umwelthilfe
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- Despite the ban, some people in Bavaria might still opt for purchasing fireworks from unauthorized brands, disregarding the potential safety risks.
- To ensure a no-fire zone during New Year's Eve, the German Environment Association (Deutsche Umwelthilfe) advocates for a permanent ban on the private purchase and use of pyrotechnics, protecting both the environment and animals.
- On New Year's Eve in Munich, animals, including pets, often experience stress due to the noise of fireworks, causing some to require medication to cope.
- Over 180,000 people have now signed an open letter from Deutsche Umwelthilfe, demanding a change in the pyrotechnics policy and advocating for the welfare of animals.
- The ban on fireworks in Munich's Mittlerer Ring environmental zone also extends to firecrackers, except for authorized, harmless pyrotechnics like fountains.
- To maintain peace on New Year's Eve in Regensburg, the city enforces a complete ban on fireworks and firecrackers in the historic old town and on the Stone Bridge, deterring potential offenders with stiff penalties.
- To comply with the fireworks ban in Augsburg, people must not only refrain from setting off rockets and firecrackers, but also should avoid carrying any pyrotechnic objects in public spaces on New Year's Eve.
- Nuremberg imposes a strict ban around the castle, with police checks at the entrance to ensure no prohibited items are brought inside, protecting historic buildings from the risk of fire.
- In addition to the ban on using fireworks, the city of Augsburg also prohibits carrying glass bottles and cans in the city center on New Year's Eve, emphasizing safety and gracefulness in the celebration.
- The palaces and castles of Bavaria, like those in Augsburg and other cities, face a heightened risk of fire during New Year's Eve, with rockets and firecrackers posing significant dangers to historical structures.
Source: www.stern.de
