The Sejm Extraordinary Committee on Animal Protection at its next gathering on 20 January is to decide on the future of the pyrotechnic manufacture in Poland. The Association of Importers and Distributors of Pirotechnics presents compromise legislative proposals and calls for the preservation of the right to celebrate and to keep jobs.
Compromise legislative solutions
In consequence to the demands of the Members and Members and representatives of pro-animal organisations, which were made during erstwhile meetings of the Commission, the Association of Importers and Distributors of Pirotechnics has developed a fresh compromise legislative proposal that combines the expectations of politicians, society and industry. It provides for time limits on the usage of fireworks in the days preceding fresh Year's Eve (December 21–30), that is, before the period erstwhile pyrotechnics frequently accompany celebrations.
It is this time that is indicated as the most burdensome – while 31 December and fresh Year sounds of fireworks are widely accepted and do not origin much controversy. This would besides let animal care workers to better prepare for their care.
The proposal to introduce time limits is of a compromise nature: it protects public order and safety and does not lead to a complete ban on the usage of pyrotechnics, which would constitute excessive interference in freedom of economical activity and cultural traditions. The proposed time limit demonstrates that the sector can respond to social sentiments, decision-makers' demands and seeks solutions that do not conflict with constitutional freedom of economical activity. We have presented our proposals to the Extraordinary Committee on Animal Protection.
– present we are facing a breakthrough – political decisions will find the future of thousands of companies and jobs. As an industry, we do not run distant from responsibility. We are not opposed to change, but we want it to be reasonable and proportionate. Our proposals are balanced, based on social expectations and ready for implementation. We want to show that tradition, safety and animal protection can be reconciled – he says Marta Smolinska, president of the Association of Importers and Distributors of Pirotechnics.
Poles want fireworks
In connection with the Commission's work, the Association commissioned professional public opinion surveys to the National investigation Panel of Ariadne. The results are clear – the vast majority of Poles do not imagine a complete ban on fireworks. The results leave no doubt. Only 33% of respondents support the full ban on fireworks, 17% think additional restrictions are unnecessary, while 50% of respondents are in favour of partial restrictions – at a certain time and place.
These data show that Poles do not want to completely abandon the long-term tradition of fresh Year's Eve shows, but anticipate liable and balanced regulations. Fireworks are not only entertainment, but besides a tradition that dates back to hundreds of years. So society expects compromise solutions – restrictions where they are truly needed, while preserving the anticipation of celebration.
The draft laws proposed by Members of the Left and civilian Coalition hit micro-enterprises peculiarly hard. In Poland there are about 25 1000 companies connected straight or indirectly with pyrotechnics, and respective tens of thousands of people live from this activity.
Each year, the pyrotechnic manufacture generates turnovers of around PLN 700 million, which translates into crucial taxation revenues. The sale of fireworks alone generates about PLN 94 million of VAT, and additional taxes, specified as CIT and PIT, arise from the activity of companies and the hiring of employees.
The estimated full – direct, indirect and induced impact of fireworks marketplace operators on the Polish economy in 2023 is around PLN 279 million gross added value and about PLN 76 million paid wages.
The ban on the sale of fireworks means that the state will lose not only income taxation revenue, but besides duties on the import of pyrotechnics. Over the last 10 years, imports of pyrotechnic materials to Poland have increased by more than 50%, indicating the dynamic improvement of this marketplace and its importance in the structure of the economy. In addition, transport, forwarding and retention of these products are further industries that make indirect and direct taxes – their simplification will further reduce revenues to the state budget.
We are betting on education and security
The pyrotechnics manufacture besides responded to parliamentarians' demands and to the social request and launched an educational run before the fresh Sylwester. Its main nonsubjective is to show that fireworks can be utilized responsibly – respecting both the safety of peopleand animal welfaret. This education focuses not only on expanding animal comfort, but besides strengthens work on the part of carers, not shifting the full regulatory burden to manufacture and firework users alone.
– An effective strategy cannot be built solely by prohibitions and sanctions, without the simultaneous implementation of extended information and education activities, which will cover all applicable social groups – both fireworks users and animal owners, noise-sensitive persons and local communities. It is education that is the key to celebrating in a way that does not divide and connects – he emphasizes Magdalena Rytel-Kuc, president of the Pyrotechnic improvement and Education Foundation.
A sound education based on technological facts, applicable guidelines and fair communication with citizens can reduce social tensions and reduce the request for drastic, complete bans. The conflict between fireworks users and their opponents is not due to the nature of pyrotechnics, but to the deficiency of knowledge, awareness and trust.
Responsible education is so a key tool for restoring the Community's approach to celebration and celebration – in a way that does not exclude but integrates. As part of the campaign, we distributed in the media an educational and information brochure with tips for animal owners and educational spots showing how to handle fireworks safely and how to defend dogs from fresh Year's stress.
SIiDP Association
Association of Pirotechnic Importers and Distributors (SIiDP) has been operating since 1993 and represents the largest Polish companies in the pyrotechnics industry. Among the tasks of the Association are the promotion of safe usage of pyrotechnic products, participation in the legislative process governing the marketplace and public education.
Source: Pirotechnic Importers and Distributors Association
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