Firework sales in Utrecht show no signs of declining despite an upcoming ban for the New Year’s celebrations, reports RTV Utrecht. Vendors are seeing higher sales than in previous years.
Online firework sales are permitted, with in-person collection during the last four days of the year. Coen van der Wind, a firework seller, claims his sales have doubled, attributing this to people disregarding the ban.
Ben Jongerius also reports high sales at his garden center. In Amersfoort, where a ban is also in place, Thom Waardenburg sees no decrease in sales.
Last year, firework sales in the Netherlands amounted to 105 million euros, slightly less than the 110 million euros in 2022. Despite Amsterdam’s ban since 2022, sales were at a 35-year high, according to seller Jeffrey Beekhoven.
Border checks are currently in effect, but regulations allow up to 25 kilograms of consumer fireworks to be brought from neighboring countries.
Source: NOS