Following a New Year’s Eve incident in Crans-Montana that left one dead adn several injured, officials in the Canton of Vaud are implementing increased security protocols at public venues. the moves, announced thursday, aim to address public safety concerns and reassure residents and visitors alike. The Canton will prohibit pyrotechnics in bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, alongside increased inspections and a review of existing safety regulations. A national tribute is planned for Friday in Martigny to honour the victims of the New Year’s Eve tragedy.
Keystone-SDA
Vaud Canton officials are increasing security measures at public establishments following a New Year’s Eve tragedy in Crans-Montana. The use of pyrotechnics will be prohibited in bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, and inspections will be stepped up.
Table of Contents
- Vaud Canton officials are increasing security measures at public establishments following a New Year’s Eve tragedy in Crans-Montana. The use of pyrotechnics will be prohibited in bars, nightclubs, and restaurants, and inspections will be stepped up.
- Letter to Municipalities
- Increased Inspections
- Reviewing Legal Framework
The Canton of Vaud has been significantly impacted by the events that unfolded in Crans-Montana on New Year’s Eve. In response, the government, which will be present in full at a national tribute in Martigny on Friday, has taken “various urgent measures to verify and guarantee security at the approximately 4,000 restaurants and entertainment venues in Vaud.”
“The goal is to reassure the public and address the numerous questions that have arisen since January 1st,” and the tragedy in Valais, officials said Thursday in a statement. This move underscores the heightened concern for public safety following the incident.
Letter to Municipalities
Officials emphasized that operators and owners of public establishments are primarily responsible for implementing fire safety and protection measures within their businesses. Regarding the oversight of restaurants and entertainment venues, that responsibility primarily rests with municipalities, according to Article 47 of the Vaud law on inns and beverage outlets (LADB).
“A letter will be sent to municipalities in the coming days to remind them of the various resources available to support them in exercising their responsibilities and in their role as supervisory authorities,” the government explained.
Increased Inspections
In addition to bolstering municipal oversight, the Council of State has also decided to conduct additional inspections “at the establishments deemed most at risk.” These inspections will be coordinated by the Cantonal Trade Police and the Cantonal Insurance Institution (ECA).
The government will also ask municipalities to intensify unannounced inspections to verify compliance with fire protection regulations in operating establishments. These enhanced checks will supplement those conducted during the authorization process (LATC) or license issuance (LADB).
Awareness campaigns on fire prevention will be organized for all operators of public establishments and responsible municipal officials in Vaud, under the auspices of the ECA. An analysis will also be conducted to assess the fire police needs of municipalities for all public establishments.
Currently offered training courses by the ECA, which are mandatory for patent issuance, will be expanded.
Reviewing Legal Framework
“Concerned with having a solid and clear legal framework, the Canton will also conduct a detailed analysis of the current regulatory and legal bases. This will involve evaluating any gaps and necessary modifications, particularly regarding the frequency of municipal inspections under the LADB,” officials stated.
Beyond these measures, the Council of State has decided to prohibit the use of all pyrotechnic devices inside establishments subject to the LADB. The Department of Environment, Youth and Security (DJES) has been tasked with proposing amendments to the legal provisions quickly. The terms of application and any potential exceptions will be discussed with the relevant sector.
