Chim chim cher-ee! In a legal victory for Santa Claus just two days before he slides down chimneys throughout Europe, the EU’s highest court said Wednesday that chimney sweeps should be held to strict regulatory standards.
Not only are chimney sweeps keeping flues and hearths clean for the big man in red and the homes he visits, they’re also providing a public safety service by preventing fire hazards, the European Court of Justice ruled.
Responding to a question from the Austrian Supreme Court on how to apply the EU’s 2006 Services Directive to the profession, the EU judges decided that sweeping chimneys is considered a fire-prevention measure, so practitioners of the age-old skill should be required to follow public safety regulations.
The judges said that chimney sweeps — although not employed by the state — must clean in accordance with regional laws. The court ruled that while chimney cleaners are supported by “private economic activities” they must also adhere to “fire safety regulation tasks.”
Due to the fact that the cleaning of chimneys is a public health concern, national lawmakers can lay down specific and regulated rules about fees charged by cleaners in order to avoid health and safety hazards, according to the ruling.
Allowing EU countries to make it mandatory to inspect chimneys would likely please a certain resident of the North Pole during his European trips, although the terrain may be less inviting in countries not regulated by the Luxembourg-based EU court.
A spokesperson said Santa Claus was too busy to comment.