In Aa en Hunze, setting off fireworks at the coming New Year period will be regulated differently than before. Because of the Safe New Year Act, private individuals are no longer allowed to buy, possess or set off consumer fireworks. Light F1 fireworks, such as sparklers and popping peas, are exempt from this ban.
For villages such as Rolde, Balloo, Grolloo, Schoonloo, Ekehaar and the other settlements in the municipality, this means that residents may no longer go into the street with regular fireworks themselves. A neighbourhood or village association, or a foundation, can apply to the mayor for a permit for an organised moment.
The starting point is one permit per village
The municipality of Aa en Hunze assumes one permit per village. This may be deviated from for larger villages with more than 2,000 inhabitants.
Anyone submitting an application must have ties to the municipality and be registered with the Chamber of Commerce. According to RTV Drenthe, applications in the Drenthe municipalities must still be submitted this month. The application option is also open in Aa en Hunze.
Safety plan and barriers required
Conditions apply for a permit. A maximum of 200 kilos of fireworks may be used. The site must be fenced off, with a fireworks zone up to a 60-metre radius.
In addition, written approval from the landowner is required and an approved safety plan must be in place. The fireworks must be stored on the site in a continuously monitored container. Those involved must remain sober and provide supervision.
A round-up by RTV Drenthe shows that almost all Drenthe municipalities are allowing applications for a permit. Assen does not grant permits, because the municipality cannot guarantee that there will be sufficient supervision there. Noordenveld has not yet taken a decision on this.
