For some, fireworks are a tradition worth preserving. For others, they are a noisy nuisance. On November 29th Swiss voters will decide whether to restrict their private use.
The popular initiative was submitted by animal-welfare organisations. It seeks to protect people, animals and the environment from the noise and pollution fireworks produce.
The proposal would ban the sale and use of noisy fireworks. Cantons could grant exemptions for major events of wider regional importance, including celebrations of Switzerland’s national day on August 1st. Quieter fireworks, such as sparklers and traditional fountains, would remain legal.
The case against a ban
The Swiss People’s Party (UDC/SVP), the Liberals (PLR/FDP) and the Centre oppose the initiative, as does the federal government, arguing that it goes too far. The government says the disruption is localised and lasts only a few days a year. Fireworks are already tightly regulated.
Cantons and municipalities can impose further restrictions. Albert Rösti, the environment minister, pointed to bans introduced over the summer as evidence that local authorities can act when necessary. Uniform national rules would leave them less room to tailor restrictions to local requirements.
Opponents also argue that fireworks are an established part of national-day and New Year celebrations. They say traditions that bring people together should be preserved. A nationwide ban would be disproportionate, affecting private parties as well as village celebrations and events organised by local associations.
The proposal would also restrict commercial freedom, opponents say. They favour personal responsibility and targeted rules and warn that the initiative could drive several Swiss businesses into bankruptcy, putting between 300 and 350 full-time jobs at risk.
They also fear that a ban would encourage people to buy fireworks from unreliable websites abroad. Such imports would be difficult to police.
The case for a ban
The initiative is backed by Swiss Animal Protection, Four Paws and the Franz Weber Foundation. It received support in parliament from the Socialist and Green parties.
Its supporters argue that restrictions would protect people, animals and the natural environment. The proposal targets what they see as the source of the problem: noisy fireworks set off by private individuals.
Private use has become excessive, they say. Firecrackers are often set off before and after public holidays, extending the disturbance beyond the celebrations themselves.
Sudden explosions cause animals stress and panic. Attempts to flee can lead to accidents, injuries and death. Wild animals are particularly vulnerable because they have little means of sheltering from the noise. Reports of missing animals usually surge around the festivities.
Swiss Animal Protection points to this year’s national-day celebrations, when private fireworks were banned because of the heatwave. It says it received no reports of missing dogs that day.
Fireworks can also frighten children and adults and cause accidents. Their environmental cost extends beyond noise. According to the initiative’s supporters, fireworks generate 1,300 tonnes of waste a year. Debris left in fields, meadows and public spaces can harm wildlife and be swallowed by animals. Fine particles released by fireworks also pollute the air, water and soil.
The latest poll by gfs.bern for SRG SSR, published on October 23rd, found that 69% of those intending to vote supported the initiative, while 29% opposed it and 2% were undecided. The survey suggests a commanding lead for supporters, though it is a snapshot of opinion rather than a forecast.
