Demand for Pyrotechnics This Year Is Lower Than in Previous Years 0 10

He noted that the industry continues to operate; however, compared to last year and the year before, demand ahead of the holidays this year is lower and has not reached the expected level. This may be related to the fact that individuals have started to use pyrotechnics less due to economic conditions, the war, migration, and other factors.

Nutovc also indicated that the situation in the field of providing pyrotechnic services remains stable.

In response to a question about the impact of the new mandatory regulations from the Riga City Council regarding restrictions on the timing of the use of fireworks and stage pyrotechnics in the municipality, Nutovc emphasized that the industry actively participated in the development of these regulations, and its proposals were taken into account. He stressed that a compromise was reached so that the industry would not have to contest these regulations in the future.

He also added that there are no significant restrictions on the use of pyrotechnics, and the information about these regulations in the public domain is incomplete.

Nutovc noted that in Latvia, each municipality sets its own restrictions. In the territory of the Riga municipality, from June 1 to August 31, the use of pyrotechnics outdoors will be allowed from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and from September 1 to May 31 — from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM. The one-hour difference is explained by the fact that it gets dark later in the summer. At the same time, on December 31, the use of pyrotechnics is permitted from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM, after which its use will be prohibited for two hours. On New Year's Eve, fireworks can be launched from 12:00 AM to 1:00 AM.

Nutovc indicated that one hour is quite enough to use all the purchased pyrotechnics. He added that both the association and the industry as a whole support the idea that loud pyrotechnics should not be used late at night.