The Cyprus Parliament passed the 2026 Fireworks (Amendment) Law, tightening penalties, clarifying responsibilities, and extending criminal liability for illegal fireworks use.
Clear division of responsibilities
The law passed with 33 votes in favour, while DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis and independent socialist Kostis Efstathiou abstained.
The legislation assigns the Cyprus Police the authority to inspect storage and usage of fireworks and to combat illegal import, transport, storage, sale, and use of explosives. The Mining and Quarrying Department retains responsibility for licensing and inspecting explosive use for legal blasting.
Harsher penalties and expanded liability
The law increases fines tenfold for illegal use of explosives without authorization and extends liability to event organisers and property owners or managers where fireworks are used. For weddings, the organisers include the couple, while for baptisms, parents assume responsibility. Owners or managers of reception halls also fall under the law.
Lawmakers highlight safety and animal welfare concerns
Ecologist MP and Environment Committee Chair Charalambos Theopemptou noted that licensing currently only occurs during office hours, while fireworks mainly go off at night. He stressed that children, animals, and individuals on the autism spectrum suffer from the noise, and called for public awareness campaigns to prevent inadvertent violations.
AKEL MP Nikos Kettirou emphasised that fireworks can cause serious harm to animals, including heart issues for dogs, and intense distress for autistic children. He also highlighted that illegal fireworks often enter Cyprus via airports, ports, and postal shipments.
DISY MP Prodromos Alambritis described the law as a small but essential step toward improving fireworks control, stressing the need for proper enforcement and public education.
ELAM MP Linos Papagiannis supported the law despite doubts about enforcement, highlighting protection for children with noise sensitivities.
Concerns over practical application
Independent socialist MP Kostis Efstathiou and DIKO MP Chrysanthos Savvidis questioned whether the law will be enforced, citing past legislation that remained largely unimplemented.
Other MPs, including Alexandrra Attalidou (Nicosia) and AKEL’s Irene Charalambidou and Marina Nikolaou, raised concerns over fireworks near forests, animal welfare, and the need for police accountability. Some proposed full bans on fireworks, particularly for illegal imports or high-risk settings.
House Speaker Annita Demetriou noted the lack of representation from key agencies during parliamentary committee sessions on the bill, raising concerns about consultation and enforcement.
Also read: Cyprus Parliament doubles fines for illegal waste disposal
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