How the fireworks issue developed

The discussion about a fireworks ban has rapidly changed in tone in recent days. While there was no political majority in favor of a ban around the turn of the year, things have now changed. Of course, the increase in the number of sad incidents this year plays an important role. But perhaps it didn't have to come to this. It is an interesting example of how an issue develops.

The dangers of fireworks have been known for decades. In addition to physical damage, there is also a lot of material and social damage. The attention for responsible handling of fireworks started in the 1970s with the strong SIRE campaign: 'You are a bovine if you stunt with fireworks'. A campaign that was then repeated for many years and was transferred to Consumer and Safety (now Veiligheid.nl) in 2000.

The issue has taken off in the last ten years. Every year around the turn of the year, a different sub-issue was central. You would expect central management, but we were unable to discover that. The instigators of the fireworks issue were the ophthalmologists. At the turn of the year 2008/2009, they started registering the numbers and severity of eye injuries. The majority of fireworks victims were also bystanders. The issue was then placed on the agenda from various angles (sub-issues). Consider psychological trauma, plastic in fireworks, fireworks waste, particulate matter, soil and water pollution, violence against emergency workers, arson, vandalism, illegal fireworks, animal suffering, fear among the elderly to go out on the street during the last three days of the year, the sale of fireworks glasses. The list seems endless.

Ultimately, it took more than ten years before there seemed to be social and political support for a fireworks ban and before actual action was taken. These are mayors of large municipalities who have stuck their necks out in this regard. As a result, Rotterdam was the first city to choose to only allow central fireworks. That is brave and deserves praise. Kudos, because large groups in society still have problems saying goodbye to traditions that they hold dear and the fact that national politicians have difficulty with a decision that may not be acceptable to part of their electorate.

All this clearly shows that solving issues takes a lot of time. Especially on issues where enforcement is not feasible. And it is a pity that politicians only seem to start moving when they are convinced that there is social support. Or rather, that they can no longer avoid it. You wish politicians had taken responsibility sooner. Then much of the personal suffering and material damage of the past New Year could have been prevented.