Overview
- Fireworks sales began on December 29 under rules allowing private F1/F2 use on December 31 and January 1, with retailers reporting stronger demand than last year.
- Berlin will deploy about 4,300 officers, enlarge no‑fireworks zones such as Alexanderplatz and Sonnenallee, and equip police and firefighters with roughly 3,000 bodycams.
- Authorities have seized around 147,000 illegal devices ahead of New Year’s, largely pro‑grade F4 pyrotechnics, with continued border and city enforcement.
- Cities are imposing targeted bans and controls, including Bremen’s video surveillance and inner‑city prohibitions and Kassel’s restricted squares and parks.
- Lauingen issued an Altstadt‑wide prohibition carrying fines up to €50,000, while petitions and ministerial reviews keep calls for nationwide limits active without a decision.