Sales of New Year's Eve fireworks began on Monday, drawing long queues across Germany as customers rush to buy bangers and rockets. Many wait for hours to secure their purchases, amid ongoing debates over a potential ban. The industry association anticipates a sales increase.
On Monday, December 30, 2024, fireworks sales for New Year's Eve commenced in Germany, leading to significant crowds nationwide. The Verband der pyrotechnischen Industrie (VPI) anticipates 10 to 15 percent more stock in stores than the previous year and hopes to exceed the 197 million euros turnover from 2024.
Queues formed early in many cities. In Hamburg-Harburg, dealer Oliver Graetzer reported a line of 100 to 130 people by 5:30 a.m.: "It doesn't stop and is even increasing." In Lübeck, customers queued from 4 a.m. outside a discounter, and shelves emptied shortly after the 7 a.m. opening. In Rostock, youths like Timon, Michel, Ferdinand, and Sebastian camped overnight with chairs: "We didn't sleep at all," they told the "Ostsee-Zeitung." Average spending in Rostock and Greifswald ranged from 40 to 400 euros.
Similar scenes unfolded in Taucha near Leipzig, where Maurice and Max waited from 5 a.m. with mulled wine. "It's not about senseless banging," Max explained, highlighting safety and jobs created by fireworks. Anna-Maria and Christian spent about 1000 euros after waiting since 3:30 a.m. In Berlin, a shop opened at midnight, and the Tyson family planned to spend 2000 euros.
Despite the enthusiasm, doctors, police, and animal rights groups call for a ban. A TÜV association survey found only 22 percent plan private fireworks, mainly younger people. Bundesärztekammer President Klaus Reinhardt warned of severe injuries, with 44 emergencies in Celle on New Year's Eve 2024/25. The AOK reports an average of 530 hospital admissions on New Year's. Five men died last year from recklessness.
Sellers like Heiko Krebs view a ban as pointless but urge stricter controls on illegal imports. Politics and police favor local rules; interior ministers failed to agree on a federal ban. Experts advise caution: Use age-appropriate products, avoid gloves when lighting, and keep distance from people or animals. Customs seized over seven tons of illegal pyrotechnics in 2024.
