The cabinet decided on Wednesday to make legislation for the use of fireworks and explosives stricter, with fines reaching up to €50,000.

It also decided to appoint explosives inspectors in an effort to increase public safety.

Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced that the amended law would see higher fines and broader criminal responsibility, with fines ranging from €5,000 to €50,000, for perpetrators as well as event organisers and venue owners and administrators.

Head of the Mines and Quarries Service will be responsible for issuing licences and inspecting warehouses and sites where explosives are used, while the chief of police will be responsible for inspecting ammunition, gunpowder and firework warehouses, as well as the sites fireworks are used and how they are sold.

“This decision ensures the most effective implementation of the legislation and strengthens the prevention and suppression of phenomena of illegal use of explosives,” Panayiotou said.