Two-thirds of Luxembourg's municipalities have an active ban on fireworks in place. Fewer and fewer people are complaining about the ban, according to the municipality syndicate.

While the law stipulates which fireworks are allowed to be sold in Luxembourg, setting them off is a whole different story that is regulated on a municipal level.

Two-thirds of all municipalities have not issued any exemptions for New Year’s Eve celebrations. According to Emile Eicher, president of the municipality syndicate Syvicol, fewer and fewer people still complain about the ban. The ban has been in place for several years, with residents repeatedly complaining about noise and environmental harm.

Anyone caught violating the ban risks a fine of up to €250.

However, municipalities struggle to realistically enforce the ban. Enforcement actually lies with the police. "But as you know, the police are also celebrating New Year’s Eve. They can’t be everywhere," notes Eicher. He hopes that common sense will prevail, and people will adhere to the ban.

The worst that could happen is a potential accident where a firework causes a fire or injures another person. "In Luxembourg, liability insurance is not mandatory. But I cannot imagine that in the case where someone intentionally violates the ban, liability insurance would come into play," explains Marc Hengen of the Association of Insurances (ACA). "After all, liability insurance is only valid when someone unintentionally causes damage."

For a list outlining which municipalities have allowed or banned fireworks, click on this RTL article.

Video report in Luxembourgish: