France has banned the sale, possession and transport of fireworks during the July 14 national holiday weekend, following riots sparked by the police killing a teenager.

A government decree published in the official Journal on Sunday explained that the order was to prevent the risk of serious disturbances to public order during the July 14 festivities.

It however added that the ban does not extend to professionals or municipalities that are organising traditional fireworks for the Bastille Day celebrations.

Fireworks were among the weapons of choice during the unrest that exploded in France after a police officer shot dead a 17-year-old during a traffic stop on June 27 near Paris, rekindling long pent-up frustrations and accusations of systemic racism among France’s security forces.