Reporting nuisance from setting off fireworks

Nationwide Fireworks Ban

On August 1, 2026, the Safe New Year’s Eve Act went into effect. This law prohibits the sale, possession, and setting off of consumer fireworks. Unfortunately, we are under no illusion that the introduction of this nationwide fireworks ban will suddenly put an end to fireworks altogether; we saw this firsthand during the years of the COVID-19 crisis, when a nationwide fireworks ban was also in effect. However, the expectation—and the hope—is that, as a result of this ban and the stricter rules, fewer and fewer fireworks will be available and set off in the coming years. Ultimately, a New Year’s Eve without fireworks will become the norm. In the coming period, as in previous years, we will make arrangements at various administrative levels—including with the police—to prevent the nuisance and damage caused by fireworks around New Year’s Eve, and we will take action accordingly.

Reporting nuisance from setting off fireworks

We have noticed that fireworks are already being set off, and this can lead to dangerous situations, disturbances, and property damage. For example, the youth meeting place (JOP) on the field on Hudsonlaan in Geldrop was recently removed for safety reasons due to disturbances caused by fireworks around that location. It therefore remains very important to report disturbances caused by fireworks. There are several ways to report this.

• If there is a current nuisance and you have more information about it. During office hours, use the Buiten Beter app or call the municipality at 040 – 289 38 39*. * In cases of immediate danger (including danger to life) or a suspicious situation (e.g., vandalism) where you can see the perpetrator(s): call the police at 112.
• If there is a nuisance but it is not clear where the fireworks were set off or it has been longer, it can be reported to the municipality (via the municipal website or the Outside Better app).

Every report counts

We sometimes receive feedback that reports are not being addressed or are being addressed too late. We take every report seriously, but it’s important to note that it’s difficult to take immediate action on reports of fireworks being set off. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to be on the scene immediately, determine the exact source of the fireworks, or catch the offenders in the act. We hope you understand.

Reporting disturbances caused by fireworks is particularly important for gaining a clear picture of where and when fireworks are being set off. By jointly recording reports from the municipality and the police, we can carry out more targeted inspections. When it comes to disturbances caused by young people, youth workers, community police officers, supervisors, and area coordinators can also play a role in limiting the disturbances. They have contacts in the neighborhood and can engage in dialogue with the young people, their parents, and local residents.