The Federal Council rejects the “Fireworks Initiative”

It recommends that Parliament reject the initiative without a direct counter-proposal or indirect counter-draft, as cantons and municipalities already have the legal basis to restrict fireworks.

The popular initiative “For a restriction on fireworks (Fireworks Initiative)”, submitted on 3 November 2023, calls for stronger protection of people, animals and the environment from the noise and emissions of fireworks. In particular, it seeks to ban the sale and use of loud fireworks by private individuals. Fireworks that produce no noise, such as Bengal fires or volcanoes, could continue to be sold. In addition, cantons could grant exceptional permits for supra-regional events, such as 1 August celebrations. The protection of wildlife from noise pollution continues to be neglected as a result.

The initiative goes too far for the Federal Council

The Federal Council is aware that noise-producing fireworks can have negative effects on the environment and on people and animals. However, these effects are limited in time and location. For many people, setting off fireworks is part of tradition. They are used, for example, at 1 August celebrations or on New Year's Eve. Furthermore, cantons and municipalities already have the legal basis to restrict the sale and use of fireworks where necessary. Many towns and municipalities make use of this today by restricting use in terms of time and/or location, or by requiring a permit.

No counter-proposal planned

The Federal Council therefore considers that new restrictions on the sale and use of fireworks are not necessary. It therefore recommends that Parliament reject the initiative without a direct counter-proposal or indirect counter-draft.

The initiative committee states that it does not understand and regrets this position: Link. The environmental impact of fireworks remains an unresolved problem.