German fireworks-makers say ban due to COVID is catastrophic for industry

FILE PHOTO: Fireworks are seen in a showroom of German fireworks producer Weco at the company's headquarters in Eitorf, Germany, November 23, 2020. REUTERS/Thilo Schmuelgen

BERLIN (Reuters) - Germany's decision to ban fireworks on New Year's Eve for the second year in a row to avoid crowds in the pandemic is "catastrophic" for manufacturers and means the loss of 3,000 jobs, the fireworks-makers association said on Thursday.

Outgoing Chancellor Angela Merkel and her successor Olaf Scholz agreed with leaders of Germany's 16 states to bar the unvaccinated from access to all but the most essential businesses such as grocery stores, pharmacies and bakeries.