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

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

In Germany, calls for a general ban on firecrackers are increasing, while a large number of people appreciate fireworks, especially in summer. As regulated in Leipzig, setting off fireworks between January 2nd and December 30th is not permitted without the appropriate permit. This regulation applies loudly lvz.de for private celebrations and publicly organized events.

Pyrotechnicians require an official permit, which they must submit to the responsible public order office at least 14 days before the planned event. If the event is near areas worthy of protection, the deadline is extended to four weeks. When examining the applications, the approval authorities also check any objections that may arise.

Licensing requirements for private individuals

Private individuals who wish to set off fireworks must provide proof of a “justifiable cause”. Suitable occasions include New Year's Eve or certain public holidays. However, a birthday, the start of school or a wedding are not enough. Permits for private fireworks displays are extremely rare: only two applications were approved in 2020, one in 2021, and there were only a few permits in the following years.

In total, around 80 fireworks applications have been submitted to the public order office in the last two years. The high hurdles for approval are reflected in the numbers: three applications were approved in 2022, and only two approvals were granted for 2023 and 2024.

Penalties and fines

Unauthorized lighting of fireworks can have serious consequences. In landscape protection areas there is a risk of fines of up to 50,000 euros. The regulations for the use of fireworks are set out in the Explosives Act (SprengG). The Explosives Act also stipulates that fireworks outside the New Year's Eve period must be approved unless they are safe table fireworks.

Fines for violations vary by state. In some federal states, setting off category 2 fireworks without a permit outside of the permitted periods can be punished with fines of up to 10,000 euros. In Brandenburg, fines for illegally setting off fireworks are between 25 and 200 euros. The consequences for using non-certified fireworks, such as “Poland firecrackers”, can even be up to three years in prison or fines of up to 50,000 euros.

The following applies to Leipzig and other cities in Germany: It is essential to adhere to the regulations and approval requirements in order to avoid legal difficulties and possible penalties. Applications for special permits can be viewed on the city of Leipzig's homepage, with costs for such applications being between 20 and 100 euros.