A fireworks factory in Luqa has stopped production because it does not satisfy the minimum safety distance from roads.

The St Andrew’s fireworks factory, part of the Union band club, is situated less than 183 metres away from Garibaldi Road that leads to the airport, in breach of the law.

A spokesman for the organisation said the decision was taken by the committee “until a suitable alternative location is found”.

The factory has been breaching the regulations for a long time but the authorities “turned a blind eye” in the past, according to the spokesman.

In 2007, media reports revealed that the government had a recommendation from a government-appointed pyrotechnics commission to close the St Andrew’s fireworks factory down because it did not meet the minimum distance requirements.

A similar recommendation was made about the Lija St Michael’s fireworks factory.

“The responsibility for the factory lies with the licence holder and the secretary and the committee this year decided to stop production,” the spokesman said.

In a statement the organisation said there will be no fireworks display at this year’s feast of St Andrew in Luqa.

“Due to circumstances beyond its control and not withstanding all the endeavors it undertook even with the national authorities, St Andrew’s fireworks factory will only be participating in a very limited manner in this year’s feast.”