Key barbecue mistake could land you up to £5,00 fine this summer

22 May 2023 , 14:45

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When the sun is out, many people will rush to have BBQs (Stock Image) (Image: Getty Images)

When the weather gets warm, you can guarantee that thousands of Brits will be trying to organise barbecues with their pals, because there's nothing quite like good food, ciders, and tinny tunes from a speaker when the sun is shining.

But did you know that there are rules that you have to adhere to when you're BBQing? And if you don't follow them, you could face over £300 in fines.

BBQs can be dangerous if used in the wrong places, so to ensure you don't get it wrong this summer, an expert has shared what you must avoid so you can be in the clear.

Having a BBQ is a really fun part of summer, but you need to be make sure you're doing it responsibly (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Ian Hodgett, Barbecue Team Leader and Buyer at BBQ specialists, Hayes Garden World, has shared how you can avoid being slapped with a weighty fine when using your barbecue this summer.

Ian shared that it's important to not BBQ near a main road as "the smoke could drift across the road, blocking drivers' visibility."

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He said: "You could be issued with a Nuisance Abatement notice, served under the Environmental Protection Act 1990. Failure to comply with the notice can result in prosecution in court and a fine of up to £5,000. You should therefore take great consideration when choosing where to place your BBQ.

"It's also best to avoid placing your BBQ near benches, trees, and sheds in your garden where there is a higher risk of a fire spreading."

If you want to have a BBQ, don't do it near a road (Getty Images)

Ian also said that it's best to not hold a BBQ on a balcony, despite the fact it's "not against the law."

He shared: "It's important to remember that many balconies are often made of combustible materials so pose a real threat to the safety of those BBQing and those living around them.

"If you live in a flat, building management has the right to prohibit the use of BBQs on balconies to ensure the safety of all residents. If found BBQing on your balcony, you may be in breach of your rental agreement and could face paying for damages, deductions from your deposit, or even eviction."

And "in the majority of cases" you shouldn't have a BBQ on land owned by the National Trust.

He said: "The countryside can become very dry during the spring and summer months, creating the perfect conditions for fires to ignite and quickly spread."

"There are a very small number of designated BBQ areas on the land that they own, such as on concrete surfaces where the risk of fire is low. However, they advise that this should not be used during periods where there is a significant risk of fire.

"Check whether your local council has issued a Public Spaces Protection Orders which bans the use of a BBQ on National Trust Land. Kirklees Council charges a fixed penalty notice of £150 if you're found BBQing on National Trust land. Failure to pay this could lead to a conviction from court and a maximum fine of £1,000."

BBQing on National Trust land is a no-no (Getty Images)

If you want to go to your local park, you also need to check the "council regulations" as they "tend to vary."

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Ian said: "The majority of parks across the country allow the use of a disposable BBQ, providing that you use a designated BBQ area and take precautions to avoid the risk of fire.

"However, there are areas of the UK, such as a number of boroughs in London, prohibiting the use of BBQs in local parks. For instance, you may face a fine of £100 if found BBQing in parks located in Brent.

"In parks which permit the use of a BBQ, be sure to leave no trace of your disposable BBQ and any food waste, disposable plates or cutlery as this is considered as littering. You could face a fine of up to £2,500 or a fixed penalty notice, which local authorities have the power to set. If not set, the standard fine you should expect to receive is £75."

And it's a similar story when it comes to BBQing on the beach, where you could be fined up to £1,000 in certain areas - so it's best to check beforehand.

Have you had a BBQ this year yet? Let us know in the comments.

Danielle Kate Wroe