Can I still have a barbecue in my garden? The Government ban on disposable BBQs explained

THE government has made the decision to temporarily BAN disposable barbecues due to the “significant risk” they present. It comes after a series of wildfires across the UK – but what are the rules and safety recommendations around using a standard barbecue this summer? The Government has temporarily banned disposable barbecues Credit: Getty Andy Burnham recently referred to the country as a ‘tinderbox’ Credit: Getty Can I still have a BBQ in my garden? The government order issued on Friday August 14 states: “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. “They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.” Sign up for The Sun newsletter Thank you! These guidelines refer specifically to barbecues that are domestic, single-use only, and not intended for re-filling or reuse. They comprise of a fuel tray, grill grid and include charcoal fuel sufficient to provide the necessary cooking temperature for the duration of a single cooking session. Read More on disposable BBQ's Retailers and distributors have been informed not to sell the products, with “criminal sanctions” put in place for those who don’t comply. The government advises that the ban is set to remain in place until weather conditions change sufficiently to reduce the level of risk, and “will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies”. There is currently no formal, nationwide guidance in place relating to permanent, non-disposable home barbecues designed for repeated use. However, various councils and fire services around the country have issued guidance around using your barbecue safely. Most read in The Sun What are the key barbecue safety tips? Location The first step in ensuring you have a safe barbecue is setting it up in an appropriate location. As per the Norwich City Council, it should always be placed on a flat, stable level, ground, and never be placed directly onto dry grass, vegetation or a balcony of any kind. Also remember to keep it well away from any sheds, fences, trees, plants and anything else that could a fire. Finally, make sure to have safety equipment ready by your side, that being either a bucket of water, a bucket of sand or a garden hose. Concentration Another important factor in making sure you are in full control of your barbecue is to have maximum concentration. To do so, make sure to never leave the barbecue unattended, even for just a small amount of time, while it’s still lit or hot. Also be sure to keep children, pets, and any form of garden game well away from the cooking zone. Finally, the London Fire Brigade states that the person manning the barbecue should never drink too much alcohol, as that can often slow reaction time and cause costly errors. Finishing up… Once the cooking is finished, wait until the barbecue has cooled down and make sure the embers and ashes have been fully extinguished. From that point, empty the ash onto bare soil, and as the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service points out, remember to never to discard them straight into a dustbin. And be aware that smouldering ashes can give off dangerous carbon monoxide fumes. Comment now