Beddingfield appoints committee to review fireworks law

A committee has been set up to review the fireworks laws, Home Affairs Minister Glenn Beddingfield said in the first episode of his new podcast series titled "Beddingfield Straightforward.”

The inaugural episode focuses on a newly appointed committee to review Malta's pyrotechnics laws.

Since taking office, Beddingfield said he has met police officers, military members, civil protection workers and people working in collection facilities. "One thing has become very clear to me: security is not something that exists only when there's a crisis; it is about prevention. It is about listening," he said.

Beddingfield outlined his focus areas as strengthening security structures, improving coordination between entities, listening to people working on the ground and engaging with communities.

He also committed to examining laws and procedures to identify where improvements are needed.

Beddingfield announced the appointment of a committee chaired by former Minister Dr Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi to review fireworks laws.

"Fireworks are part of Malta; they are part of our feasts, our traditions. Our communities and, for many people, something they genuinely love. We are not looking at this because we want to take away that tradition; quite the opposite. We want people to be able to enjoy fireworks, but we want them to be enjoyed safely, and that means looking at the whole picture," he said.

Last June, an explosion occurred at the firework factory on Triq tal-Qagħdi in Magħtab and was heard from several kilometres away, rattling buildings and shattering windows across large parts of Malta.

The committee will examine current legislation and consult stakeholders including fireworks producers, workers, enthusiasts, volunteers, communities and the general public. It will also recommend where legislative changes may be needed.

Beddingfield stressed that those involved in the fireworks tradition deserve a clear, modern regulatory framework, while the public deserves assurances that safety remains paramount.