Next year, residents of Beijing will be able to again enjoy their centuries-old custom of setting off fireworks during the Chinese Lunar New Year, a news report said.
Beijing’s municipal legislature on Friday lifted a 12-year ban on fireworks during the Chinese Lunar New Year, also called the Spring Festival, in the Chinese capital, Xinhua reported. The new regulation will take effect on December 1.
The revised rules replace a prohibition implemented in 1993 for security and environmental protection reasons, but the new rules include partial restrictions.
Fireworks may be set off only between the Chinese Lunar New Year’s Eve and the 15th day of the first lunar month in restricted areas inside the Fifth Ring Road of the city. Setting off fireworks will remain prohibited outside the designated times and places allowed by the new regulation.
The prohibition on setting off fireworks will remain in areas near relic sites, airports, kindergartens, senior-citizen homes and forests inside the Fifth Ring Road.
As for setting off fireworks in other celebration activities or on holidays and during festivals, the Beijing municipal government will make specific decisions.
In China, a fireworks display is a tradition at the Lunar New Year, the most important holiday in the country. People believe the fireworks may drive away demons and ill luck of the previous year.
The ban on fireworks was put in place in Beijing and many other parts of China, but in recent years many cities resumed the tradition at the request of local residents.
Organisations found guilty of violating the rules will be subject to a fine ranging from 1 000 yuan (about R770) to 30 000 yuan (about R23 300). Individuals will face a fine ranging from 20 yuan to 500 yuan.
Under the regulation, only one entity will be authorised to sell fireworks, and strict limits are set regarding the quality, specifications and varieties of fireworks sold.
Regulations still prohibit people from aiming fireworks at crowds, vehicles and buildings, or setting off fireworks within buildings, on roofs or balconies. — Sapa-DPA