Parliament official urges public against using pyrotechnics for New Year’s Eve

Mikheil Sarjveladze, the Chairman of the Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee of the Parliament, on Friday urged the public to avoid using pyrotechnics during New Year’s Eve celebrations.

He called on citizens to “express our joy [through] other means” but added those deciding to still use the material to ensure compliance with safety norms.

The lawmaker asked members of the public to pay attention to the age of the material during purchase, read the terms and conditions for their use, prevent their use by teenagers or while under the influence of alcohol.

He also recommended use of protective eyewear, avoidance of lighting a multitude of pyrotechnic materials at the same time and maintenance of distance from them after ignition.

The Human Rights and Civil Integration Committee in October discussed legislative regulations governing use of pyrotechnics, with the Parliament saying it was acknowledged that a total ban on pyrotechnic imports “could potentially yield adverse consequences”. 

Consequently, the necessity of considering alternative approaches was highlighted. One such approach involves stringent restrictions on use of pyrotechnics, particularly in cases where it is utilised illegally and infringes upon the rights of others”, the body said.

It added enhancing supervision and enforcement systems for the restrictions was also highlighted.