Ganshoren (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Despite Brussels’ fireworks ban, Atmosfire owner Christophe reports strong New Year sales. Legal F1–F2 fireworks sell well, despite €500 fines, safety concerns, injuries, and police incidents in Ganshoren.
As VRT News reported, despite a ban on private fireworks in Brussels, Atmosfire in Ganshoren is seeing strong demand ahead of New Year’s Eve. The shop has become a popular spot for residents who enjoy fireworks.
Shelves are filled with colourful arrow bouquets and glass display cases. Each product carries a name, like “Final Assault,” “Dragon,” or “Space Trip.” Prices start at a few euros and go up to €170 for premium sets that can launch 200 arrows in 3 minutes.
“We make about 80 percent of our turnover in two weeks,”
says owner Christophe.
“People are especially drawn by the fireworks. Some customers spend over 300 euros here.”
What does Brussels’ fireworks ban mean for sales and safety?
Officials mentioned that the rush in sales comes despite strict rules. Private fireworks have been banned in Brussels since the COVID years, with fines of up to €500 for breaking the law. Christophe, the store manager, says politicians are using the ban for votes rather than safety reasons.
“That’s another story about Belgians: it’s forbidden to set them off, but we’re allowed to sell them. Otherwise, they’d have to compensate us, like in the Netherlands. We’re the last shop in Brussels that still sells only fireworks.”
“The coronavirus pandemic was a catalyst, because hospitals were full. That’s when they had the brilliant idea to ban fireworks to avoid ‘extra pressure.’ The ban has remained in place ever since, because, yes, many people are against fireworks.”
“That would be a mistake, because the demand will remain high. Just like during Prohibition in America, everyone will end up on the black market or ordering online.”
Christophe says it is important that shops like his continue to exist.
“We work within the legal framework with regulated products and can explain the conditions and social distancing to customers. You don’t get that online. I think that’s reflected in the policy, since they let us do what we do.”
In Belgium, only fireworks in categories F1 and F2 can be sold to consumers. Category F1 includes small items such as sparklers and minor firecrackers. Category F2 covers arrows and larger firecrackers meant for outdoor use. Heavier fireworks in category F3 are banned for private use in Belgium but remain legal in countries like France.
The most powerful category, F4, is reserved for professionals only. This includes Cobra fireworks, which have sometimes been misused as explosives in drug-related crimes. The stricter rules did not come without reason. Fireworks are dangerous, and last New Year’s Eve, 6 people were injured, including one who lost a hand.
“I regularly get asked to sell fireworks like that,”
says Christophe.
“We always decline, of course, but you can find them online. Or some people drive to Poland and come back with a full van. Once, there was even one of those parked right here on our street to attract our customers.”
Last Thursday, Dec 18, 2025, a confrontation took place in Ganshoren, targeting law enforcement.
“Still, I find a blanket ban difficult to understand,”
says Christophe.
Yes, there are incidents, but look at the harm caused by alcohol. It’s much greater, but there’s simply a stronger lobby behind it.”
According to Christophe, the use of fireworks by following operating instructions will result in very few accidents occurring. All products in the fireworks retail location are approved and tested for safety. He points out that most incidents usually result from breaking the rules or instructions around the use of fireworks.
The fireworks ban has been a challenge for the Brussels region to enforce during the Christmas holiday period for a number of years. In response, a regional decree was put into place on 1st December 2023, which prohibits anyone from owning, carrying or using fireworks within Brussels’ public places between Dec 15th and Jan 3rd of each year. Despite this prohibition, the police and emergency services received substantial numbers of requests for assistance on New Year’s Day 2024 and had to intervene in many cases throughout Brussels.
