Ban on New Year's Eve fireworks in many German cities

The cities of Berlin, Munich and Hamburg have introduced new pieces of legislation that aim to make city centres safer and more welcoming for locals and visitors. Accordingly, fireworks will be banned at Brandenburg Gate, Alexanderplatz Square and many other areas of the city.

The ban takes effect at 5pm (GMT), and applies to all products of firecrackers and fireworks. This is a measure to prevent air pollution caused by fireworks and also chaos in the crowds. During the last New Year's Eve, several injuries, as well as 49 attacks on firefighters and 40 on police officers were recorded.