Kuwait Temporarily Bans Sale of Balloons, Water Pistols During National Celebrations

Cairo: Kuwait is preparing to implement a temporary ban on the sale of balloons and water pistols during national celebrations, citing misuse of these items.

According to reports, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Commerce and Industry intends to prohibit the sale of balloons, water pistols, and sprinklers across all commercial outlets in the country. Violators of this ban will face severe penalties, including store closures and prosecution, as outlined in a newspaper report.

The ban, expected to be issued in a decree by the ministry, will be enforced for a limited period, notably during February, coinciding with Kuwait’s National and Liberation Days. Citing “well-informed” sources, the report highlights concerns over the misuse of these toys during national festivities, prompting the regulatory action.

The ministry’s decision is grounded in various factors, including annual water wastage, particularly on February 25th and 26th, observed as National Day and Liberation Day respectively. Moreover, increased instances of car accidents and property damage, attributed to the excessive use of balloons and water pistols, underscore the need for regulatory intervention. Additionally, the ban seeks to address the high number of face and eye injuries resulting from the reckless handling of water-filled balloons and guns.

Sources also point to a significant rise in violence cases documented by the Interior Ministry, often triggered by incidents involving the improper use of balloons and water sprinklers during national celebrations.

Kuwait annually commemorates its National Day on February 25th, marking independence from Britain, followed by Liberation Day on February 26th, commemorating the expulsion of Saddam Hussein’s forces following the US-led multinational campaign that ended the 1990 invasion.

The impending ban reflects Kuwait’s commitment to ensuring public safety and preserving the sanctity of national celebrations amidst growing concerns over the misuse and potential hazards associated with balloons and water pistols.