Skopje, 1 April 2025 (MIA) — Parliamentary Defense and Security Committee members have approved draft amendments to the Law on Misdemeanors against the Public Order and Peace that will ban, if adopted, the use of pyrotechnics for entertainment purposes in closed spaces.

The proposed changes are also being reviewed Tuesday by the Legislative Committee before being put to a vote in Parliament.

The amendments were drafted after the March 16 fire in Kochani's Pulse nightclub, set off by pyrotechnics, which killed 59 young people and injured around 200.

In addition to banning pyrotechnic devices in closed spaces, the amendments specify the misdemeanor fines for anyone violating the ban.

VMRO-DPMNE MP Toni Jarevski told his fellow committee members he was glad the amendments were supported by the opposition, as well. He said misdemeanor fines would be higher than before and police would be given the authority to detain repeat offenders.

VMRO-DPMNE MP Dragana Bojkovska said the draft legislative act was a step toward holding people responsible for the safety of young people.

The amendments are an interim measure until the Ministry of Justice completes developing a new law on explosives and pyrotechnics in public. mr/