On New Year's Eve in Riga, fireworks will be allowed for the first time only for one hour after midnight. This means that launching fireworks according to Moscow time is no longer permitted. The police promise increased control in residential areas of the capital and remind that violators face fines, TV3 News reports. Are Riga residents aware of this new order?
In mid-December, the Riga City Council banned the use of pyrotechnics at night. An exception has been made only for New Year's Eve — fireworks are allowed from midnight to 1:00 AM.
However, in several neighborhoods where fireworks were launched before midnight in previous years, the question remains — do residents know about the new bans and do they plan to comply?
When asked if he plans to launch fireworks on New Year's Eve, Riga resident Valdis replied:
"Oh no, you know, I dedicated six years to military service. I've had enough of these explosions in my life."
(TV3 journalist: "Do you know that it is generally prohibited to launch them?")
"I follow the news on the internet and on television. Well, yes, of course."
Opinions of residents in neighborhoods where fireworks were previously actively launched according to Moscow time are divided.
"I haven't planned it for a long time and I don't really remember doing it. I am completely against it. I've seen different cases, I have pets myself — it's all very unpleasant," says Ilvars.
Responding to the question of whether she will launch fireworks, Elina said:
"Mmm, yes."
(TV3 journalist: "And at what time?")
"At 9:00 PM, because we have small children — we want them to see it."
(Journalist: "Did you know that this is prohibited in Riga?")
"We won't be in Riga."
Riga resident Artem also plans to launch fireworks:
"During the allowed time. For one hour — well, from 00:00. The main thing is to do it on New Year's. For other holidays — let there be a ban. Whether to agree or not — it's all fine."
(TV3 journalist: "What do you think about those who launch at 11:00 PM?")
"It's their choice."
The Riga municipal police emphasize — control will be intensified on New Year's Eve.
"Of course, we won't be able to place a police officer at every house, but we have identified the most active areas. Previously, control of pyrotechnics was also related to events aimed at curbing the glorification of aggression. Such events have always been under increased surveillance — and this time will be no different," noted Edgar Rudzitis, a representative of the Riga municipal police.
The police remind — the ban is not symbolic. For using pyrotechnics at unauthorized times, an administrative fine is provided: for individuals from 35 to 350 euros, for legal entities — up to 1400 euros.
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