At least 80 Dutch municipalities, including Amsterdam, have canceled plans for local fireworks shows ahead of a national ban that starts on August 1.
Officials say they lack enough time to review applications and do not have enough specialized police officers to enforce the rules.
Cities already stepping back include Eindhoven, Nijmegen, Tilburg, Utrecht, Zwolle, Delft, Deventer, Leiden, and Breda.
The total is expected to keep rising.
Ban and narrow exception
A majority in the Tweede Kamer backed the nationwide fireworks ban.
The measure was advanced by the Partij voor de Dieren and GroenLinks-PvdA, now called PRO.
Supporters of fireworks secured an amendment that still allows local groups to organize small shows.
ChristenUnie, SGP, CDA, and D66 backed that change so some events could continue without excesses and hassle.
Heavy permit requirements
Anyone seeking an exception faces a complex application process.
Organizers must consult neighbors, meet detailed administrative rules, and arrange insurance covering 2.5 million euros in potential damage.
They also need a certificate of good conduct, an alcohol permit if relevant, and a location judged safe.
BBB lawmaker Caroline van der Plas had already warned that the hurdles would mean most permits simply would not be granted.
Cities choose not to proceed
Several parties had cautioned that municipalities would struggle to handle the exception in practice.
The Association of Netherlands Municipalities supported having clear rules for local shows.
Many mayors opposed the setup because they doubted they could finish reviews or provide enforcement on time.
Those concerns have now materialized, and cities including Amsterdam are declining to move forward with any local fireworks events under the new framework.
