Prague City Hall would like to remind you that it is forbidden to set off fireworks in the city centre and near hospitals on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. It draws attention to an ordinance regulating the use of commercial pyrotechnics for 31 December 2024 and 1 January 2025.
According to the city administration, the ordinance is based on negative experiences with the use of pyrotechnic products in sensitive areas of Prague, especially in the city centre, on embankments, in parks, and near hospitals and other institutions such as retirement homes.
The use of commercial pyrotechnics is prohibited in the area of the capital city of Prague:
- in the historical centre of Prague;
- along watercourses, on islands in watercourses, and on adjacent land within 50 metres of the shoreline;
- within a radius of 250 metres from inpatient medical care facilities and homes for the elderly or disabled;
- on and within 50 metres of dams, dykes, reservoirs, weirs, and impoundments;
- in specially protected areas and within 50 metres of such areas;
- in and within 50 metres of nature parks;
- within 250 metres of Prague Zoo, animal shelters, and emergency veterinary facilities.
Fireworks and other pyrotechnic products can cause serious, sometimes even fatal, injuries. In addition, they harm not only humans, but also wild animals, animals in zoos, and pets.
Anyone who has animals at home knows that the loud noise of fireworks can cause severe anxiety and panic attacks. In addition, the noise can significantly disturb patients in hospitals, residents of nursing homes, and people with disabilities. For these reasons, the Czech capital has designated several areas where the use of over-the-counter pyrotechnic products is prohibited.
Violation of the ban can be punished in criminal proceedings with a fine of up to CZK 100,000. Local police officers can impose a fine of up to CZK 10,000. The ban does not apply to commercial fireworks displays, as, according to the City of Prague, these are subject to authorisation under the Pyrotechnics Act.
The City of Prague first issued this ban in December 2020 for health and safety reasons. More detailed information is available on the Prague.eu website in Czech, English, and Ukrainian.
