Soon, the Polish Sejm will consider three legislative proposals related to animal welfare. Unfortunately, each of them impacts the Polish pyrotechnic industry, potentially leading to its rapid dissolution. Thousands of small, often family-run companies will fail, and tens of thousands of people will lose their jobs. The market will be flooded with hazardous products of unknown origin. Therefore, the Association of Importers and Distributors of Pyrotechnics (SIiDP), has prepared a solution that should satisfy animal advocates and save the pyrotechnic industry from collapse. They propose the creation of “pyrotechnics-free zones”. According to recent surveys, 75 percent of Poles support this concept.
Pyrotechnics-free zones would include national parks, nature reserves, Natura 2000 areas, hospital grounds, educational and childcare facilities, as well as heritage sites. Bans should also apply to downtown areas, central squares and markets, characterized by a high level of building and population density, which eliminates the phenomenon of sound reflections and intensities.
The restrictions would also apply to areas hosting mass events organized by local authorities and local communities. This would increase safety and reduce unwanted incidents, especially in crowds. The zones would have a designated area or would be implemented temporarily.
Listening to the voices of animal advocacy organizations, the Association proposes including areas adjacent to zoos, animal shelters, and veterinary clinics in pyrotechnics-free zones.
“You can focus on improving animal welfare without destroying the entire pyrotechnics industry, as advocated by the bills submitted to the Sejm. It’s a classic example of throwing the baby out with the bathwater. I realize that with the growth of social awareness, animal rights are increasingly raised in public debate. We also care about them. That’s why we proposed a compromise solution, taking into account the opinions and interests of all stakeholders,” says Marta Smolińska, President of the Association of Importers and Distributors of Pyrotechnics.
The idea is modeled on German experiences. Cities such as Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, Hanover, Bremen, and Nuremberg have introduced so-called “zones”, i.e., areas where the use of fireworks is prohibited for individual users.
“A total ban on the use of fireworks will destroy the entire industry and will be difficult to enforce. A zonal approach is more flexible and may be better accepted by society, as it does not completely take away the possibility of using fireworks, but limits their negative effects. The introduction of zones offers a compromise between fireworks supporters and opponents. It allows for accommodating various social and economic needs, providing noise-free spaces for those who need them while not limiting the rights of those who want to use fireworks.” – believes lawyer Piotr Kruk from Dudkowiak Kopeć Law Firm.
Poles support the concept of fireworks-free zones. According to the latest survey by the Nationwide Research Panel Ariadna, 75% of respondents believe that this solution is better than a total ban on fireworks. The agreement spans party lines, with 75% of KO voters, 76% of PiS voters, 78% of Third Way voters, and 67% of Left voters supporting zones.
The Polish pyrotechnic industry ranks 5th in the world in terms of fireworks export and import and employs over 30,000 people, primarily small and medium-sized family businesses with a long tradition. In 2023, the pyrotechnics industry sold over 30 million products and had nearly 9 million users purchasing one or more products. There are believed to be over 25,000 entrepreneurs tied with the pyrotechnic industry, who generate a turnover of 700 million zlotys, part of which contributes to the state budget in taxes.
Implementing the solutions proposed in the bills will lead to the dissolution of the pyrotechnic industry, and in the end, will prevent anyone from using safe fireworks.
In place of certified products, illegal smuggled goods will appear, the sale of which will only fuel the black market. This is shown by the example of the Netherlands, where 250 tons of uncertified fireworks of unknown origin, meant for sale on the black market, were confiscated. Currently, there are virtually no uncertified fireworks on the Polish market, thanks to the enormous availability of legal products. During UOKiK, KAS and IH controls in 2023, 98% of the over 2 million examined fireworks met all safety standards.
Poles are very attached to the long tradition of celebrating important events with fireworks. From surveys by the Nationwide Research Panel Ariadna conducted between 2021 -2024, 65% of respondents used pyrotechnics or participated in an event with them. Interestingly, even among pet owners, opponents of fireworks are in the minority, with 50% of pet owners opposing a total ban on fireworks. There is widespread fear of black market fireworks of unverified quality. This year’s survey shows 75% of respondents have such fears.
Source: https://managerplus.pl/strefy-wolne-od-fajerwerkow-branza-proponuje-kompromis-79183
