Safe New Year's Eve Act for the Dommelstroom Municipalities
On August 1, 2026, the Safe New Year’s Eve Act will take effect. This law prohibits the sale, possession, and setting off of consumer fireworks. Under Requirements , mayors will be able to grant Requirements to local associations and foundations to set off a limited category of fireworks during New Year’s Eve.
Mayors' Position: No Exemption for Club Fireworks This New Year's Eve
The mayors of the municipalities within the jurisdiction of the Dommelstroom base team (Cranendonck, Geldrop-Mierlo, Heeze-Leende, Nuenen, Son en Breugel, and Valkenswaard) have decided not to exercise the option to grant these exemptions for the 2026–2027 New Year’s Eve celebrations. Consequently, a so-called “zero-tolerance policy” will apply for this first New Year’s Eve under the new Safe New Year’s Eve Act.
Why no exemptions?
The mayors have carefully weighed the various interests and have concluded that it would not be responsible to make use of this option for the upcoming New Year’s Eve celebrations. Setting off fireworks, even when done in an organized manner, poses risks to participants, bystanders, and property. Supervising fireworks activities organized by associations and foundations would require a significant amount of additional resources from the police, enforcement officers, and other emergency services. Especially during New Year’s Eve, these emergency services are already under considerable pressure due to reports and incidents. Enforcing this law is a new undertaking and places significant demands on municipalities. Applications would need to be carefully assessed. Since there is no prior experience with this, it also requires a great deal of time and resources.
Safety comes first
The mayors believe it is important to provide residents, organizations, and other stakeholders with clarity well before the end of the year. This way, organizations know where they stand, and no preparations are made for applications that ultimately cannot be approved.
A safe New Year’s Eve is important for everyone: for residents who want to celebrate, as well as for the police, fire department, and other emergency services that will be on standby that night to ensure our safety. For New Year’s Eve 2026–2027, we are opting for an approach that is feasible, enforceable, and, above all, safe. Next year, based on the experience we’ve gained, we will reassess the situation.