People who use illegal fireworks at weddings and baptisms — along with event organisers and venue operators — will now face criminal prosecution, as parliament approved sweeping changes to the law, including a tenfold increase in fines to €50,000.
The Parliament of Cyprus passed the amendments to the Explosives Law on Thursday with 33 votes in favour and two abstentions, tightening enforcement and expanding liability well beyond those who physically ignite fireworks.
Under the Explosives (Amendment) Law of 2026, responsibility for illegal fireworks use is extended to include organisers of events and owners or managers of venues where fireworks are used without a permit. In practical terms, this means that wedding couples can be held criminally liable for illegal fireworks at their celebrations, while parents may face prosecution in cases involving baptisms.
The law also sharply increases the financial penalty for illegal use of explosive materials without a licence or approval. The maximum fine rises from €5,000 to €50,000.
Expanded powers for police
The amendments also redraw enforcement responsibilities between state authorities. The Chief of Police is now responsible for inspections of fireworks storage facilities and sites where fireworks are used, as well as for tackling the illegal import, transport, storage, sale and use of all types of explosive materials.
At the same time, the issuing of licences under the law and inspections of explosives used for blasting operations remain the responsibility of the director of the Mines and Quarries Service.
Police enforcement will be carried out by the Cyprus Police, which gains a clearer and more direct mandate to intervene in cases of illegal fireworks use.
Closing legal gaps
The changes are aimed at closing loopholes that allowed responsibility to be shifted away from organisers and venue operators, particularly during private social events. By broadening the definition of who may be considered an “event organiser” or “manager of the premises”, the law removes the defence of ignorance or indirect involvement.
With the new framework in place, anyone involved in hosting, organising or facilitating an event where illegal fireworks are used can now be held accountable, even if they did not personally light them.
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