Signatures for a complete ban on consumer pyrotechnics are being collected on the Manabalss.lv portal, where more than a thousand people have already signed.
Arina Kuznetsova has been announced as the representative of the initiative. She explains that the unrestricted use of consumer pyrotechnics poses a serious threat to safety, health, and the environment every year: "Pyrotechnics cause severe bodily injuries, fires, hearing impairments, and significantly deteriorate the quality of life for the population, especially for children, the elderly, and people with health disorders."
According to the accompanying text, animals suffer particularly from the launches of pyrotechnics: pets panic and flee, can get injured or die, while wild animals experience disruptions in migration and hibernation processes.
In Kuznetsova's opinion, the existing regulations do not provide effective control: pyrotechnics are often used at unauthorized times, under the influence of alcohol, and in populated areas, endangering those around. The interests of society are ignored in the name of short-term entertainment, while long-term harm is not taken into account.
Kuznetsova proposes to amend the regulations to completely ban consumer pyrotechnics in Latvia. An exception is proposed only for professional pyrotechnics, which should only be allowed for specialists at special events and with the permission of local governments.
The ban would include enhanced control and stricter penalties for violations, as well as an information campaign about the reasons for the ban and the benefits it will bring.
As an alternative for organizing celebrations, it would be advisable to promote light shows, laser projections, and other silent visual solutions that are safe, environmentally friendly, and widely available, Kuznetsova believes.
As a result, the living environment will become safer, more peaceful, and healthier, people will be able to celebrate holidays without fear, noise, and conflicts, society will become more cohesive and responsible, and the lives of people and animals will be valued more than noisy entertainment.
