Politics · Switzerland · 8 hrs ago
Swiss voters to decide on restrictions on loud fireworks
Swiss voters decide on the fireworks initiative on November 29.
It would generally ban the sale and use of loud fireworks, while allowing exceptions for larger events.
Some Graubünden municipalities already restrict fireworks, including Davos and St. Moritz, where the mayor says residents have adjusted.
The proposed rules could affect events such as Kreuzlingen’s summer festival, whose organizers say its large fireworks display is essential.
Fireworks sellers fear lost income, while supporters say the restrictions would help people, animals and nature.
A recent SRG poll found that 69 percent of respondents were likely or clearly in favour of banning loud fireworks.
The vote will decide whether the restrictions become national rules.
Swiss voters will decide on November 29 whether to restrict the sale and use of loud fireworks.
The initiative would generally ban loud fireworks, while allowing exceptions for larger events.
Supporters say the restrictions would benefit people, animals and nature.
Fireworks sellers and event organizers warn that the proposal could hurt businesses and threaten events.
A recent SRG poll found that 69 percent of respondents were rather or clearly in favour of the ban.
- Who
- Swiss voters will decide on the initiative. Supporters and fireworks-industry opponents are campaigning on different sides.
- What
- Voters will decide whether to generally ban the sale and use of loud fireworks, with possible exceptions for larger events.
- When
- November 29, 2026.
- Where
- Switzerland.
- Why
- Supporters say private fireworks are no longer appropriate and cause harm to people, animals and nature. Opponents warn of economic losses and the possible impact on events.
Supporters of the fireworks initiative
Fireworks-industry opponents
Purpose of the proposal
Supporters of the fireworks initiative
Loud private fireworks are no longer appropriate and restrictions would help people, animals and nature.
Fireworks-industry opponents
The initiative goes too far and threatens a business built partly on fireworks sales.
Economic impact
Supporters of the fireworks initiative
Businesses have had time to prepare since the initiative was filed in 2022.
Fireworks-industry opponents
Restrictions could cause economic losses; loud fireworks make up part of the trade.
Davos introduced a fireworks ban.
The fireworks initiative was filed.
Swiss voters are due to decide on the initiative.
- Vote date
- November 29, 2026
- SRG poll
- 69 percent said they were rather or clearly in favour of banning loud fireworks
- Davos ban
- Introduced in 2020
- Seenachtsfest Kreuzlingen
- Draws around 40,000 visitors each summer
- Alain Stucki's sales
- Fountains and Bengal matches make up about a quarter of sales
1 source
What people are saying
We are committed to people, animals and nature. Private fireworks are simply no longer appropriate.
If there were no more fireworks in the villages around us, we could benefit from more visitors.
People can live with it very well.
Fountains and Bengal matches make up a good quarter of sales. But that alone is not enough to sustain the business.