Bedingfield appoints committee to review Malta’s fireworks laws

Home Affairs and Security Minister Glenn Bedingfield has appointed a committee chaired by former minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, to review all laws regulating pyrotechnics in Malta.

Bedingfield announced the initiative in the first episode of his new podcast, ‘Bedingfield Straightforward,’ saying the review would examine the existing legal framework and make recommendations on possible changes.

He said the review was not intended to take away Malta’s fireworks tradition, which he described as an important part of the country’s festas, traditions and communities.

“We want people to be able to enjoy fireworks, but we want them to be enjoyed safely,” Bedingfield said.

The committee will look at the laws currently in force, listen to different stakeholders and identify areas where changes may be needed, he said.

Bedingfield said the review would consider the interests of people who produce fireworks, those who work with them, enthusiasts, volunteers, communities and the general public.

He said people involved in the fireworks tradition deserved a regulatory framework that was “clear, modern, and fit for purpose”, while the public deserved strong assurances that safety was being given sufficient importance.

The minister said the initiative formed part of his wider focus on strengthening Malta’s security structures, improving coordination between entities and reviewing laws and procedures.

“Security is not something that exists only when there’s a crisis. It is about prevention,” Bedingfield said.

He said the committee’s work would seek to strike a balance between respecting Malta’s traditions and ensuring that safety remained central to the way fireworks were produced and used.

Bedingfield also said the podcast would be used to speak directly to the public about the work being carried out by his ministry, the reasons behind decisions and the areas where he believes further action is needed.

He said future episodes would address difficult issues and disagreements, while stressing the importance of continuing to listen and engage with the public.

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