Firecrackers and fireworks already in use (illustration).

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Pixabay

  • Every year, in Alsace as in few regions of France, many people explode firecrackers in the street.

  • This sometimes leads to tragedies, as again last year with the death of a man, hit by a mortar.

  • This year, the prefects of Bas-Rhin and Haut-Rhin have banned their sale and use.

    Not possible to find it in Germany either, where the Alsatians often go to provide themselves.

The first time, it surprises.

Every New Year's Eve in Alsace, the explosions of firecrackers ring out everywhere.

Sometimes with tragedies, such as the deaths of two men in 2013 or that, on December 31, of a 27-year-old man, hit by a mortar in Haguenau.

And this New Year?

The authorities hope it will be calmer.

The Prefect of Bas-Rhin Josiane Chevalier signed a decree at the end of November to ban the sale and use of fireworks throughout the month of December.

A measure also taken by his counterpart in Haut-Rhin until early January.

The administrative court confirms

Earlier this week, the Strasbourg administrative court confirmed the validity of these texts.

The five appeals, filed by companies and unions of manufacturers of explosives, pyrotechnics and fireworks, were all dismissed.

In her decisions, the summary judge considers in particular that “the decree is fully justified and proportionate with regard to the objectives sought to combat urban violence, avoid any gathering, and allow the police to carry out their mission.

"

Not possible to buy in Germany either

As a direct consequence, it is not possible to buy the slightest fireworks or firecracker in Alsace, even those of a smaller category as was the case last year.

And in Germany, where do many go to get their supplies every year?

No more.

The federal state, which decreed the partial reconfinement since Wednesday and until January 10, banned their sale.

"We have strengthened our border controls but we can think that we will have a smaller upsurge this year," we told

20 Minutes

on the side of the regional customs office in Strasbourg.

Last year, she had seized 26 kg of firecrackers and other devices, "not counting those intercepted by the border police".

Anyone risks up to 1,500 euros in fines for their storage or use.

During this period, only holders of “adequate prefectural approval” are authorized to buy them and activate them, warns the Prefecture.

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