The use of sparklers and other pyrotechnic items at indoor public gatherings will soon be prohibited in Malta under newly published legislation.
The ban will apply to enclosed spaces that members of the public can access, including entertainment venues such as clubs and discotheques.
It will come into force two months after the legal notice was published. Anyone found breaching the rules could receive a fine of between €120 and €350.
Private homes are not included
Home Affairs Minister Glenn Bedingfield explained that the measure applies specifically to indoor areas that are accessible to the public.
This means that the new restriction will not cover the use of sparklers inside private residences.
The law is intended to address the risks created when pyrotechnic items are used near ceilings, decorations, insulation material or other flammable surfaces in busy indoor venues.
Law follows deadly Swiss bar fire
The legislation was introduced following a devastating fire at a bar in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve.
The fire reportedly started after champagne bottles carrying lit sparklers were lifted too close to sound-insulation foam fitted to the ceiling of a basement area.
Forty people were killed and 116 others were injured.
Bedingfield said the tragedy led to both internal and public discussions in Malta about whether additional safety measures were needed.
According to the minister, the proposal had been presented to Cabinet for approval in April by his predecessor, Byron Camilleri, before eventually being formally published.
Concerns had also been raised locally
Following the Swiss tragedy, Paceville Town Centre Management chairperson Philip Fenech raised concerns about Bengal candles and other pyrotechnic items commonly used during celebrations inside clubs.
He called for venues to consider safer alternatives that could create a celebratory atmosphere without introducing an open-flame risk inside crowded spaces.
The new ban now provides a clear legal restriction for publicly accessible indoor venues.
While sparklers are often viewed as a small part of a celebration, their use close to flammable material can create serious danger within seconds. The legislation aims to reduce that risk before another tragedy occurs.
