Crans-Montana: Canton Vaud bans pyrotechnics in bars and restaurants

Vaud’s Council of State has announced a ban on pyrotechnic device use in public establishments, such as bars and restaurants, following a fire at a bar in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve.

Vaud prohibits pyrotechnic devices

The Council of State has released a press release outlining “urgent measures” to improve fire safety in the canton’s 4.000 bars and restaurants. The measures include a ban on the use of pyrotechnic devices inside public establishments. 

Pyrotechnics are defined by the Federal Office of Police (Fedpol) as “products that contain ignition and/or explosive charges. Their energy produces light, heat, sound, smoke, pressure, movement or similar effects.” Devices include sparklers, fireworks, smoke balls and flares. 

The Council’s decision comes after authorities suspect that sparklers placed in champagne bottles and held close to the ceiling may have caused a fire in Crans-Montana, Vaud, on New Year’s Day. 

Pyrotechnic use in Switzerland is limited to “professional purposes or for entertainment”, according to Fedpol, and generally requires authorisation and a permit. Cantons can also implement further restrictions. 

Additional safety inspections to take place

The Council of State also announced that additional fire safety inspections will be conducted at venues deemed higher risk. The council issued a reminder that business owners “bear primary responsibility for implementing fire protection and safety measures within their premises”. 

Other measures announced include fire prevention awareness campaigns, additional training courses and a review of the canton’s regulatory and legal framework on fire safety. 

Questions have been raised about when fire safety checks were last conducted at the bar in Crans-Montana, along with whether the venue's stairs and emergency exits met safety standards, according to 20 Minuten. 

On Friday, January 9, a national day of mourning and a minute of silence was held across Switzerland, along with an official memorial service for the victims and families in Martigny, Valais.