Dutch spending 65 million euros on fireworks

The Dutch are predicted to spend 65 million euros ($100 million) on fireworks to set off over the New Year. Fireworks sellers are prepared for a busy day today, and last minute buyers are willing to queue for hours.

In the Netherlands fireworks are only allowed to go on sale in the three days leading up to the New Year. There are 1600 sales points which all have to meet strict regulations for a licence.

At first sales were slow, but they soon picked up. The Dutch consumer association for fireworks says purchases of decorative fireworks are up, while noisy fireworks have dropped 40 percent in some shops. Two years ago, it was the bangers that were the most popular.

For more: Dutch spend 65 million on fireworks | Radio Netherlands Worldwide