Monaco will ban all pyrotechnic devices, including sparklers, in enclosed public spaces following the deadly Crans-Montana fire that killed 40 people on New Year’s Day.
Minister of State Christophe Mirmand announced the decision on Tuesday 13th January, requesting that regulatory changes be prepared as quickly as possible to prohibit any type of pyrotechnic device within enclosed venues throughout the Principality.
According to a government statement, the Minister of State mobilised the Technical Commission for Hygiene, Safety and Environmental Protection immediately following the Crans-Montana incident to conduct additional inspections of relevant establishments and raise awareness among operators about strict compliance with safety rules, particularly those concerning fire risks and public evacuation conditions.
The government says the decision “reflects a continuous approach of anticipation and public protection, based on the expertise of state technical services and detailed knowledge of establishments and practices in force in the Principality.”
No specific implementation date has been announced, though the Minister of State has requested the regulatory change be prepared as quickly as possible.
SBM already eliminated sparklers years ago
Monaco’s major entertainment venues had already largely eliminated pyrotechnic use before the regulatory change. Stéphane Valeri, CEO of Société des Bains de Mer, told press at his 7th January New Year address that SBM replaced sparklers with LED lights in nighttime venues years ago.
The only exception occurs once yearly at Salle des Étoiles, and only with explicit government approval.
“While I cannot guarantee that nothing will ever happen, I can assure you that the type of tragedy that occurred cannot happen in a Monegasque establishment,” Valeri stated.
The new ban formalises practices already in place across Monaco’s entertainment sector while eliminating any ambiguity about pyrotechnic use in enclosed spaces. The regulatory change removes the need for case-by-case approvals and ensures uniform safety standards across all venues.
Following the tragedy, the Crans-Montana mayor, Nicolas Feraud, apologised at a news conference, and said that all sparkler candles, which were blamed for the fire, have now been banned inside the town’s venues.
See also:
Swiss bar managers under investigation as first victims identified in fire that killed 40
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