Petition for Safer, More Responsible Fireworks Regulations in Malta and Gozo.

To the Prime Minister, Members of Parliament, the Ministry responsible for Culture, the Ministry responsible for Home Affairs, the Malta Police Force, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, and all relevant authorities.

We, the undersigned citizens and residents of Malta and Gozo, respectfully call upon the Government of Malta to undertake an urgent review of the laws and regulations governing the manufacture, storage, transportation, and use of fireworks.

Malta's village feasts form an important part of our cultural heritage and national identity. Fireworks have long been associated with these celebrations and continue to be appreciated by many members of our communities and visiting tourists alike. This petition is not intended to undermine or eliminate these traditions. Rather, it seeks to encourage a safer, more balanced, and more sustainable approach that protects human life, public safety, community well being, animal welfare, and the environment.

Over the years, Malta has experienced numerous serious accidents, injuries, and fatalities associated with the manufacture and storage of fireworks. These incidents have caused immense suffering to workers, volunteers, families, animals, domestic pets, and communities. While significant regulatory improvements have been introduced over time, recent incidents demonstrate that further measures remain necessary to reduce avoidable risks.

At the same time, the increasing duration and intensity of fireworks activity associated with certain feast celebrations is placing a growing burden on residents. Young children, elderly persons, individuals with medical conditions, shift workers, domestic pets and pet owners, farmers, and wildlife are frequently subjected to prolonged periods of disturbance and excessive noise.

Many countries around the world are already exploring and adopting modern alternatives such as low noise fireworks, silent pyrotechnic displays, laser shows, and drone light displays. These technologies allow communities to celebrate important cultural events while significantly reducing risks, noise pollution, and environmental impacts.

We therefore call for the following measures:

Limit the Duration of Aerial Fireworks Displays
Aerial fireworks should be restricted to a clearly defined and reduced number of days and time-frames associated with a village feast, with priority given to the principal celebration day and feast eve. This would preserve tradition whilst reducing prolonged disruption to surrounding communities.

Preserve Traditional Ground Displays
Traditional ground fireworks and other cultural pyrotechnic displays should remain permitted, recognising their importance within Maltese feast traditions whilst encouraging safer forms of celebration.

Review and Reduce Storage Thresholds and Strengthen Separation Distances
The maximum quantities of fireworks and explosive materials permitted to be stored at fireworks factories, magazines, and related facilities should be independently reviewed and reduced where justified by modern risk assessments and international best practices, thereby reducing the potential consequences of accidents. The Government should also review and strengthen mandatory separation distances between fireworks facilities and residential areas, workplaces, farms, livestock holdings, public infrastructure, and other occupied premises, ensuring that appropriate safety buffers exist to minimise the risk of injury, loss of life, environmental damage, and property destruction in the event of an accident. 

Strengthen Safety and Regulatory Oversight
Increase inspection frequencies, enhance enforcement powers, introduce stricter operational safety requirements, and apply stronger penalties for breaches relating to the manufacture, handling, transport, and storage of fireworks.

Protect Communities, Animals, and the Environment
Introduce measures to reduce excessive noise pollution, minimise disturbance to residents, and recognise the documented impact of fireworks on domestic animals, livestock, wildlife, and the natural environment.

Promote Innovation and Modern Alternatives
Actively encourage and support the gradual introduction of low noise fireworks, silent pyrotechnics, drone light displays, laser shows, and other innovative technologies that can complement traditional celebrations while reducing risk and nuisance.

Commission an Independent National Safety Review
Establish an independent expert review of Malta's fireworks sector, including manufacturing, storage, transportation, licensing, enforcement, and community impacts, with recommendations aimed at reducing risks whilst preserving cultural heritage.

We wish to make it clear that this petition is not directed against village feasts, band clubs, fireworks enthusiasts, or volunteers. We recognise and respect the important cultural contribution these organisations make to Maltese society.

However, no tradition should require communities to endure excessive disruption for extended periods, nor should workers and volunteers be exposed to avoidable exposure to risks arising from the manufacture and storage, and consumption of explosive materials.

By adopting a balanced approach that reduces risk, limits excessive disturbance, encourages innovation, and preserves cultural heritage, Malta can continue to celebrate its traditions whilst demonstrating a modern commitment to public safety, quality of life, and responsible environmental stewardship.

We therefore respectfully request that Parliament and the relevant authorities initiate the necessary consultations and legislative reforms without delay.

Signed by the undersigned citizens and residents of Malta and Gozo.