Italian cities crack down on noisy New Year's celebrations
Until January 6, a ban on the use of firecrackers and flares is in effect in Rome. Their use is also prohibited in several other Italian cities, with fines ranging from $26 to $520.
In Rome and other Italian cities, a ban on the use of firecrackers, flares, and other pyrotechnic materials has been implemented from New Year's Eve to January 6. This decision was made by the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri. Fines for violating the ban range from $26 to $520.
The ban in Rome starts at the beginning of December 31 and lasts for seven days. As part of the "Celebrate New Year's Eve Without Firecrackers" campaign, loud pyrotechnic materials are prohibited in the Italian capital. Exceptions are made for the quieter fireworks, such as sparklers, fountain fireworks, and pinwheels.
A New Year's Eve without fireworks. Italians decide to move away from firecrackers
"To have fun, colorful lights are enough," said Sabrina Alfonsi, head of the environmental protection department in the Rome administration. She emphasized that these alternatives are beautiful and respectful of safety, nature, and our animals.
Similar bans will also be in effect in other cities in Italy, such as Florence and Siena, and in the Lombardy region, with the exception of Milan. In Milan, the administrative court did not agree to implement such a regulation in a ruling two years ago.
Throughout the country, law enforcement officers are confiscating tons of illegal pyrotechnic materials from non-certified stores and warehouses. This year, a firecracker called "Sinner Bomb," referencing Italian tennis player Jannik Sinner, has been deemed particularly dangerous.
