Scotland’s nightlife sector is being urged to review champagne sparkler safety after the deadly Swiss inferno that killed 40 New Year revellers and injured another 116.
The tragedy has prompted renewed scrutiny of fire safety in crowded venues, amid fears over the potential for a similar risk closer to home.
Disaster struck when fire tore through the busy venue in the Swiss ski resort Crans-Montana on January 31, killing and injuring victims aged between 14 and 39.
Sparklers on bottles being carried too close to the ceiling are said to be the likely cause of the fire, according to a preliminary investigation.
A criminal probe has now been launched.
Scottish venues are now being warned they must be prepared to take “robust and decisive action” over the use of champagne sparklers – including a “potential ban”.
Michael Kill, chief executive of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), has led calls for a “thorough” evaluation of the use of sparklers in crowded venues, which are often full of partying and intoxicated customers.
He stressed the tragedy “must serve as a critical moment of reflection for our sector”.
He said: “I am deeply concerned and saddened by the tragic incident that has taken place in Switzerland – our thoughts are with all those affected by this devastating event.
“There is an absolute and urgent need to re-evaluate the use of champagne sparklers and similar so-called pyrotechnics within busy nightlife environments – and to properly assess the exposure and risk they present to staff and the public.”
According to the CEO, it is clear from the unfolding investigation there were “multiple mitigating circumstances” that contributed to the Swiss disaster.
He stressed: “However, without doubt, this event highlights serious questions around the appropriateness and safety of these products in crowded venues.
“A thorough and evidence-based evaluation is now essential.
“We must be prepared to take robust and decisive action, potentially including a ban, to ensure the highest standards of safety across nightlife globally.”
Shadow community safety minister Sharon Dowey called on Scottish Ministers to look at safety issues within the industry in the wake of the tragedy.
She said: “The events in Switzerland over New Year were absolutely horrific at a time of celebration and my thoughts are with all those affected.
“People will understandably be concerned about the possibility of a similar incident happening in a venue closer to home.
“It is crucial that all necessary safety measures are looked at by ministers in conjunction with the industry in order to provide reassurance to customers in light of this appalling tragedy.”
SFRS
The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) said they would be “closely monitoring” the outcome of the Swiss investigation and meanwhile urged licensed venues to carry out fire safety risk assessments.
Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Kenny Barbour, Head of Prevention, said: “Our thoughts remain with all who have been affected by the tragic fire in Switzerland on New Year’s Eve.
“We will closely monitor the outcome of the investigation and any future learnings which could be considered over and above existing fire safety requirements at licensed premises across Scotland.
“All licensed premises in Scotland must undertake a fire safety risk assessment by a suitably competent person to identify and reduce the risk of hazards, as well as determine what measures or policies are necessary to ensure the safety of everyone in the building should a fire occur.”
Suppliers often market sparklers among nightclubs, pubs and restaurants as a sales driver to “increase product awareness and increase champagne sales”.
One retailer says: “Champagne sparklers are a proven technique in today’s tough and competitive industry.
“Loved by all nightclubs and night clubbers, the use of champagne sparklers will increase atmosphere and has now become an industry standard within many venues.”
Experts urge users to remember champagne sparklers are small fireworks – not harmless novelties – and can be dangerous for indoor use due to the risk from sparks igniting flammable materials.
Indoor sparklers can burn at temperatures ranging from 1000C to 1600C – hot enough to melt some metals and cause severe third degree burns.
The Swiss tragedy was the latest in a series caused by igniting indoor fireworks in bars and nightclubs, with 25 killed when fire ripped through a nightclub in Goa, India, in December when a firework ignited the ceiling.
Last year, 63 people were killed in a nightclub in North Macedonia after fire ignited by a pyrotechnic flame engulfed the roof and 17 died in a blaze in January 2022 at a nightclub in the Cameroon capital Yaounde, also caused by a firework.
