The nationwide helium balloon ban which was recently issued during Norway’s national holiday celebrations on 17 May was openly enforced at a number of locations as police destroyed balloons which appeared during the celebrations.
Following through on the previously announced temporary bans, the ‘fun police’ confiscated and destroyed the helium balloons of those who decided to flout the ban.
Oslo and at least 28 other municipalities banned the sale of helium balloons during the national day celebrations, arguing that they pose a litter problem.
“There were five to six episodes throughout the day in Oslo and Bærum in which we went out and confiscated balloons or destroyed them on the spot. Some of the balloon sellers apparently refused to accept the ban while others just decided to take a chance,” said Oslo police spokesman Tor Jøkling.
While Norway’s environmentalist Green party may try to push for a complete nationwide ban, at least one balloon seller who lost out on revenue during the national celebrations has said he intends to challenge the legality of the ban.
