New Year's celebrations in Prague

New Year's celebrations in Prague

The use of over-the-counter pyrotechnic products on 31 December 2023 and 1 January 2024 is covered by the rules laid down by a City of Prague Decree.

This decree arose from the negative experience of pyrotechnic products being used in sensitive parts of Prague, in particular the city centre, the waterfront, in parks and in the vicinity of hospitals and other facilities, for example retirement homes. It does not apply to professional fireworks, which require a permit in accordance with the Pyrotechnics Act.

The use of over-the-counter pyrotechnics is prohibited within the City of Prague as follows:

a) within the City of Prague Heritage Reserve

b) on watercourses, islands on these watercourses and land adjacent to watercourse beds, up to 50 metres from the shoreline

c) within 250 metres of facilities providing inpatient care, retirement homes or homes for persons with disabilities

d) on dams, dykes, levees and reservoirs and within 50 metres of such

e) in conservation areas and within 50 metres of such areas

f) in nature parks and within 50 metres of such parks

g) within 250 metres of the premises of the Prague Zoo, animal shelters and facilities providing emergency veterinary care

Ban on the use of sky lanterns

The use of products that use heated air or hot exhaust from a flame generator for uncontrolled flight, in particular products sold as sky lanterns, Chinese lanterns, good luck lanterns, and wish lanterns, is prohibited anywhere in the City of Prague.

Violation of the decree

Compliance with the decree will be monitored by the Prague Municipal Police and Police of the Czech Republic. Violation thereof is subject to an administrative penalty – a fine of up to CZK 100 000 can be imposed against a natural or legal person in administrative proceedings. Police officers can impose an on-the-spot fine of up to CZK 10 000.