Those in Riga wishing to launch fireworks according to Moscow time are better off going to another country or not provoking — otherwise, they will have to answer. Thus, for non-compliance with the rules, fines are set at up to 350 euros for individuals and up to 1400 euros for legal entities.
Riga's Vice Mayor Edward Ratnieks reminded residents of the need to comply with the updated rules for the use of pyrotechnics on New Year's Eve and emphasized that the launch of fireworks is allowed only from midnight to 1 AM, reports the portal Jauns.lv.
"In Latvia, we live by Latvian time, so from now on, in Riga, the allowed time for New Year's pyrotechnics will be from midnight to 1 AM. This is a sufficient interval for those who wish to celebrate the arrival of the New Year with fireworks, but at the same time, it does not disturb the nighttime peace of others. Furthermore, we want to break the long-standing tradition among some members of society who use pyrotechnics on New Year's to glorify the aggressor state. If someone wants to celebrate according to Moscow time — they can do so in another country, our state's border is open for such people. Additionally, the use of pyrotechnics negatively affects animals and disrupts the nighttime peace of residents, which is why the municipality has adopted stricter regulations," stated Ratnieks.
According to him, on New Year's Eve, the municipal police will concentrate maximum resources on ensuring order and safety in the city, including monitoring the use of pyrotechnic products. Ratnieks noted that law enforcement primarily responds to threats to life and health, and only then to violations of the rules. At the same time, any resident or witness can document a violation with photos or videos and report it to the municipal police by sending the materials to rpp@riga.lv, after which violators may face administrative penalties.
Administrative fines for non-compliance with the rules are set at up to 350 euros for individuals and up to 1400 euros for legal entities.
The mandatory rules for launching fireworks were approved by the Riga City Council on December 17. At that time, Ratnieks explained that the ban on fireworks "according to Moscow time" in the current geopolitical situation is a justified decision, especially considering the active use of pyrotechnics in certain areas of Riga around 11 PM.
Overall, the new regulations provide for a ban on the use of pyrotechnics during nighttime to avoid disturbing residents' peace:
- from June 1 to August 31 — from 11 PM to 7 AM;
- from September 1 to May 31 — from 10 PM to 7 AM.
An exception is made for New Year's Eve, when fireworks are allowed from 12 AM to 1 AM. The restrictions do not apply to public events agreed upon with the Riga City Council.
