The mayors, united in the Security Council, write to Minister Grapperhaus that they want ‘a ban on the sale of fireworks and their lighting’. “The main reason is that healthcare and healthcare staff are currently under heavy pressure as a result of the corona crisis.”
‘Is there a good chance that a ban will come’
The letter was co-signed by mayor Jan van Zanen of The Hague, who is also chairman of the VNG, the Association of Dutch Municipalities.
–
–
Political commentator Frits Wester states that the cabinet is ‘sensitive’ to the letter from the mayors. “Given the penetrating, unanimous and broad appeal by the mayors to draw a single line nationally and thus prevent extra pressure on healthcare and also to prevent that a different regulation will apply in one municipality or district than in another, I think there is a very good chance that the cabinet will decide on a fireworks ban.”
Group of doctors and healthcare providers also in favor of ban
Wester also states that the possible fireworks tourists should be prevented. “That way you prevent those people from moving from one neighborhood to another and from one village to another.” Wester says that it ‘looks like’ that the cabinet is extremely sensitive to the mayors’ arguments.
–
–
A group of doctors, healthcare providers and social organizations was in favor of a fireworks ban this year. For example, the KNMG doctors’ federation, the FNV Zorg en Welzijn and the NU’91 professional organization are concerned about the pressure on care that old and new will bring about.
Current pressure on healthcare
The Dutch Ophthalmic Society is also in favor of a ban, chairman Tjeerd de Faber told RTL Nieuws last week. “Last New Year’s Eve showed: with a ban you have 75 percent less injuries. Think of eyes, burning hands, that sort of thing. The medical evidence has been provided, a ban works,” says Faber. He was already in favor of a fireworks ban, but the current pressure on healthcare is an important additional argument for him.
–
–
