Politics · Switzerland · 12 hrs ago
Swiss initiative seeks nationwide ban on noisy fireworks
Supporters in Switzerland have launched a campaign for a nationwide ban on noisy fireworks.
The initiative would prohibit selling and using fireworks that make noise, while allowing quiet pyrotechnics.
It would also let cantonal authorities approve exceptions for events of importance beyond a single region.
The campaign is backed by animal welfare groups, wildlife officers and farmers, who say fireworks can frighten animals, create waste and cause fires and injuries.
Supporters say the proposal would protect people, animals and the environment without ending national celebrations or all public fireworks.
If voters approve it, officials would have two years to work out the details.
Swiss voters will decide on November 29.
Supporters of a Swiss initiative have launched a campaign for a nationwide ban on selling and using noise-producing fireworks.
The proposal would allow cantonal authorities to grant exceptions for events of national or regional importance.
Quiet pyrotechnic products would remain permitted.
Supporters say the initiative would protect people, animals and the environment from noise, waste, fires and accidents.
The proposal is due to go to a vote on 29 November.
- Who
- Supporters include representatives of the Swiss Animal Protection organisation and other animal-welfare groups, wildlife wardens and farmers.
- What
- They are campaigning for a nationwide ban on selling and using fireworks that produce noise, with exceptions for some major events.
- When
- The campaign was launched on Tuesday. The vote is scheduled for 29 November.
- Where
- Switzerland; the campaign launch was held in Bern.
- Why
- Supporters say fireworks can frighten animals, disturb wildlife, create waste and cause fires and injuries.
Initiative supporters
Initiative opponents
National holiday and traditions
Initiative supporters
They say the proposal would not end the national holiday or challenge traditions.
Initiative opponents
They claim Switzerland would lose its national holiday.
Exceptions
Initiative supporters
They say public fireworks at major regional events could still be allowed, and quiet fireworks would remain permitted.
Initiative opponents
Not stated.
Fireworks industry
Initiative supporters
They say the initiative would not pose an existential threat to Switzerland’s fireworks industry, noting that much loud firework stock is imported from China.
Initiative opponents
Opponents have raised the possibility that the domestic industry could be existentially threatened.
Supporters said dry-weather fire bans showed that celebrations could take place without fireworks.
The campaign for the initiative was launched.
The proposal is scheduled to go to a vote.
- Valid signatures
- More than 137,000
- Vote date
- 29 November
- Exceptions
- Cantonal authorities could grant them for events of national or regional importance.
- Implementation period
- Two years after a yes vote
- Permitted products
- Pyrotechnic products that launch without noise
Related
Swiss university student numbers forecast to rise 21% by 2035
23 hrs ago · 3 sources
Swiss parties push pension reform based on years worked
13 hrs ago · 2 sources
Swiss charity raises funds for people affected by war in Ukraine
5 hrs ago
Swiss voters to decide on easing war-material export rules
1 day ago · 2 sources
What people are saying
These are not extreme demands
The joy of some must not come at the expense of others
People can prepare for fireworks, animals cannot
an acute disturbance