The Government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, stating they pose a “significant risk to the public” due to the heatwave conditions. The ban aims to help prevent fires amid the risk of further wildfires.
Government advice on the ban
New advice published on the Government’s website says: “During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product.”
The advice adds: “They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time. These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.”
Previous warnings and context
Andy Burnham had previously warned he was looking at outlawing single-use grills to help prevent fires, as the nation continues to be hit by extreme heat.
The ban comes in a week that saw the Prime Minister chair an emergency Cobra committee in response to a prolonged spell of exceptionally hot and dry weather.
Britain has been battered by heatwaves in recent months, facing its fifth of the year in what the Met Office says is the hottest summer on record.
