France banned the sale of fireworks from Sunday through July 15 amid concerns about renewed turmoil around the Bastille Day celebrations on Friday.
“In order to prevent the risk of serious disruption of public order during the July 14 festivities, the sale, transportation, and use of pyrotechnic articles and fireworks throughout the country are prohibited until July 15 inclusive,” according to a decree published in the French official gazette on Sunday. The measure came into effect “immediately,” it said.
The French government wants to avoid further episodes of violence after the riots that followed the death of Nahel M., who was killed by a policeman in Nanterre.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne anticipated the measure in an interview with Parisien on Saturday, calling the ban part of “massive means to protect the French” during the July 14 weekend.
Sales of fireworks will only be allowed to professionals working for municipalities and public shows, according to the decree.