© dpa
Foster families in Berlin to receive more money
People who take in foster children will receive more money from September onwards: The care allowances will increase. A pilot project is also being launched. more
A sign with a pictogram banning firecrackers hangs on a barrier fence on Alexanderplatz.
© dpa
For safety reasons, fireworks and firecrackers will be prohibited in three designated zones on New Year's Eve in Berlin.
As announced, the zones will include Alexanderplatz and the so-called Steinmetzkiez neighborhood in Schöneberg near Pallasstraße, as well as the area around the prison in Alt-Moabit. In these zones, only sparklers and table fireworks are allowed. The ban will be in effect from 6 pm on New Year's Eve (Dec. 31) until 6 am on New Year's Day (Jan. 1), police said on Thursday.
A ban on pyrotechnics also applies to the New Year's Eve celebration at the Brandenburg Gate, which is being held this year on Pariser Platz. Spectators had to register in advance for the event. There are no plans for further restrictions at the moment.
Police chief Barbara Slowik had announced that the police would set up barrier fences in the three prohibited zones and control access. The Berlin traffic information center pointed out restrictions as a result of stopping bans and closures on New Year's Eve.