As December 1, 2025, marks the start of a sweeping new law in the Czech Republic, cities nationwide are canceling traditional New Year’s fireworks, rockets, and exploding firecrackers to comply with tightened pyrotechnics regulations. The amendment prohibits all but the least hazardous F1 category—such as sparklers and popping strings—within 250 meters of sensitive sites like hospitals, nursing homes, animal shelters, zoos, farms, and apiaries, even on New Year’s Eve and Day. No permits or exceptions apply, with fines up to 100,000 CZK for individuals and 1 million CZK for organizations.
In Náchod, town leaders weighed a professional display but scrapped it after reviewing the official map of no-go zones, deeming it impossible under the inflexible rules. Mayor Jan Birke (SOCDEM) called the law well-intentioned yet flawed, arguing it fails to curb reckless individual launches—the real issue—while complicating police enforcement, akin to “hunting ghosts.” He worries it could spark neighborly snitching and sour community vibes.
Jablonec nad Nisou faces similar woes, with reservoir areas and neighborhoods now off-limits, though no municipal show was planned. City police chief Michal Švarc described past enforcement as futile: patrols arrive too late, witnesses stay silent, and catches remain rare despite a three-year local ban. “You can’t catch everyone with 50 officers; it’s ingrained in people, no decree changes that,” he noted.
Trutnov shifted its fireworks back to Krakonošovo Square in the city center, bypassing a former venue at the Bojiště natural arena now restricted due to nearby beehives. Mayor Michal Rosa (ODS) credited the law for hastening the decision residents had demanded, urging crowds to skip personal fireworks in favor of the coordinated professional burst. “One big show beats many small, dangerous home ones that litter streets,” he said.
Liberec Zoo welcomes the changes, citing past petard traumas like a panicked eagle crashing into netting and birds abandoning nests. Director David Nejedlo recalled initial success with local rules but recent backsliding, hoping renewed talk reminds folks to avoid bangs near vulnerable spots. Temporary curbs once worked before complacency returned, he added.
The law stems from rising injuries, fires, pet distress, and pollution, empowering municipalities to add broader bans while limiting sales to brick-and-mortar shops. A public map highlights red zones, pushing revelers toward safer, quieter celebrations. While some towns persist with displays where feasible, this New Year’s signals a national pivot to restraint.
