Fireworks in Leipzig: This is how it works with the permit!

Fireworks in Leipzig: This is how it works with the permit!

In Germany, the call for a general ban on firecrackers increases, while a large number of people appreciate fireworks, especially in summer. As regulated in Leipzig, the burning of fireworks between January 2 and December 30 is not permitted without a corresponding approval. This regulation applies according to lvz.de for private celebrations and public organized events.

For pyrotechnicians, an official approval is required, which you have to submit to the responsible regulatory office at least 14 days before the planned event. If the event is near areas worth protecting, the deadline is extended to four weeks. When examining the applications, the approval authorities also check any objections.

approval obligations for private individuals

private individuals who want to burn fireworks must demonstrate a “justified occasion”. Suitable occasions are considered, for example, New Year's Eve or certain holidays. However, a birthday, the beginning of school or a wedding are not enough. The permits for private fireworks are extremely rare: in 2020 only two applications were approved, in 2021 one, and in the following years there were only a few permits.

A total of around 80 fireworks applications have been submitted to the regulatory office in the past two years. The high hurdles for approval are reflected in the numbers: In 2022, three applications were approved, and only two permits were given for 2023 and 2024.

penalties and fines

The unauthorized burning of fireworks can result in considerable consequences. In landscape protection areas, fines of up to 50,000 euros threaten. The regulations for the use of fireworks are defined in the Sprengmstoffg (SprengG). The explosive law also regulates that fireworks have to be approved for New Year's Eve outside of the periods, unless it is harmless table fireworks.

fines for violations vary depending on the federal state. In some federal states, the burning of a category 2 fireworks can be punished without permission outside of the permitted periods with fines of up to 10,000 euros. In Brandenburg, the fines for illegal burning of fireworks are between 25 and 200 euros. The consequences for the use of non-certified fireworks, such as "Poland-Böller", can even be up to three years of imprisonment or fines up to 50,000 euros

For Leipzig and other cities in Germany, it is essential to adhere to the regulations and approval obligations in order to avoid legal difficulties and possible punishments. Applications for exemptions can be viewed on the homepage of the city of Leipzig, whereby the costs for such applications are between 20 and 100 euros.