More than half of Danes now want to ban private fireworks. New figures show growing concern over safety, noise, and property damage, while industry leaders doubt the results.
Majority support a ban on private fireworks
A new YouGov survey commissioned by the insurance company Tryg reveals that 52.6 percent of Danes favor a ban on the private use of fireworks. Meanwhile, 37.7 percent wish to keep the right to light fireworks themselves, and 9.7 percent remain undecided.
Every year, fireworks become a nationwide debate in Denmark, especially as people prepare to celebrate New Year’s. But this year’s numbers indicate the balance between tradition and safety is shifting more strongly toward tighter restrictions.
The results confirm similar trends shown in previous polls, yet this year’s shift is slightly stronger. Tryg’s claims director notes that the number supporting a ban has grown again. According to the company, the results might reflect increasing attention to the injuries and property damage that occur each year around December 31.
Injuries are rising despite stricter rules
Between December 31 and January 1, Danish emergency rooms registered 210 fireworks-related injuries, including 42 severe cases requiring hospital treatment beyond emergency care. The Danish Safety Technology Authority reported that this is a rise compared to last year’s 192 total injuries and 34 serious cases.
Worryingly, half of those injured were under the age of 18. The trend has caused new discussions about whether current safety regulations are strong enough. Private individuals are already limited to setting off fireworks only on December 31 and January 1, following tightened rules introduced last year.
Despite the debates, insurance claims from fireworks—both for people and property—have remained relatively stable for the past few years, according to Tryg. Even so, the company believes that awareness about the dangers keeps increasing, and the public seems less tolerant of the annual chaos that sometimes accompanies the celebrations.
Industry group questions the findings
The Danish Fireworks Association, which represents importers, argues that the YouGov numbers do not reflect the real picture. The group believes the country remains evenly split, with half of Danes supporting and half opposing restrictions.
Its director suggests that many negative views come from people who used to enjoy fireworks themselves but have since changed their stance. He also argues that if consumers followed existing laws—buying legal products and using them during the approved window—public opinion would likely be less negative.
A similar poll last year by Megafon for TV 2 had nearly identical results, showing that around 51 percent wanted a total ban and 38 percent were against it.
Regional differences across Denmark
Support for banning fireworks varies widely by region. The greatest support is in the Capital Region and Northern Jutland, where 57 and 55 percent, respectively, favor a ban. In Central Jutland, that figure drops to 48 percent. Zealand and Southern Denmark are close to the national average, at about 51 percent.
City dwellers show the strongest opposition to fireworks. In Copenhagen, 61 percent support a ban, compared to only 47 percent in smaller towns. One possible reason is that property damage from mishandled fireworks is more common in densely populated areas, where buildings are close together.
Nordic neighbors enforce tougher fireworks laws
Denmark’s neighbors already apply stricter rules. In Sweden, private fireworks are generally banned, though residents can apply for permission. Since 2019, launching stick rockets has also required a special course and license.
In Norway, fireworks are classified by category, and private citizens may only set them off between 6 p.m. and 2 a.m. on New Year’s Eve. The rest of the year, they need a permit. Some categories cannot be used in populated areas or near forests. In Germany, permits are also required for higher-risk fireworks, and release is limited to New Year’s Eve only.
For Denmark, these comparisons are influencing the growing conversation on whether it is time to restrict private fireworks altogether and allow only professional shows during national celebrations.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: How Does Denmark Celebrate New Year’s?
The Danish Dream: Home Insurance in Denmark for Foreigners
TV2: Flere danskere ønsker forbud mod fyrværkeri
