The UK Government has confirmed it will consider a permanent ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, following a temporary summer ban and a petition that passed the 10,000-signature threshold for an official response.
The temporary ban was introduced in mid-August after a series of fires attributed to disposable barbecues during the UK's searingly hot summer. The Government said the products posed a 'significant risk to the public' due to heatwaves and drought conditions. Those guidelines were withdrawn on October 22.
Petition calls for nationwide ban
A petition on the Government website, launched on June 15, called for a nationwide ban on single-use disposable barbecues. It reached 100 signatures on July 29 and now has 22,468 signatures. The petition argued that disposable BBQs are 'increasingly linked to preventable wildfires' and contribute to 'unnecessary waste'.
The petition asked the Government to introduce a UK-wide ban on the sale of disposable BBQs, encourage safer reusable alternatives through public guidance, and work with retailers to support the transition away from single-use outdoor cooking products.
Government response on future restrictions
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs responded, stating: "The government takes public safety seriously and has taken steps to stop the sale of disposable barbecues at present to help reduce the risk of wildfires."
The department added: "The government will consider the case for further restrictions, including a permanent ban, on the sale of disposable barbecues in the light of experience gained from the temporary ban introduced on 14 August."
The statutory guidelines were published on GOV.UK on 14 August and were brought to the attention of the British Retail Consortium, Association of Convenience Stores and relevant online platforms. The guidelines were withdrawn once the risk of fire reduced to acceptable levels.
Local authorities retain powers to restrict disposable barbecue use through Public Spaces Protection Orders under Section 59 of the Anti-social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014. Breaches can lead to prosecution in a magistrates' court, a criminal record, and a fine of up to £1,000. Councils can also issue fixed penalty notices for littering of disposable barbecues of up to £750 from 1 September 2026.
The Government said it is supporting safe and responsible use of disposable barbecues. Advice is provided by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the National Fire Chiefs Council through the Fire Kills campaign, while the Office for Product Safety and Standards works with partners such as the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents to raise awareness of product safety.
