A fireworks ban only works if there are good alternatives
5 January 2026
On January 2, 2026, the NRC published an opinion piece by ophthalmologists Tjeerd de Faber, Jan Keunen, and Menno Loos, titled “A Fireworks Ban Will Only Work If We Start Developing Good Alternatives Now.”
The authors argue that a simple ban on fireworks will have little effect as long as no attractive and safe alternative is offered. They call on mayors, the police, and insurance companies to actively promote local, professional fireworks shows as a replacement for private fireworks.
Read the opinion piece here (accessible only to NRC subscribers).