In response to the current heatwaves, the Government has introduced statutory guidelines in relation to the supply of disposable BBQs.
According to the new guidance, 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.
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 These guidelines will be kept under review, and will be withdrawn in consultation with relevant departments and agencies, as weather conditions change sufficiently to significantly reduce the risks.
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), as the UK’s national product regulator, and Local Authority Trading Standards, have powers to enforce the GPSR and there are sanctions, including criminal sanctions, for those that do not comply with the requirements. Sanctions include an imprisonment sentence and/or financial penalty.
Association of Convenience Stores chief executive Ed Woodall encouraged local shops to engage with the new statutory guidance that bans the sale of disposable barbecues “Many local shops have already taken action to remove disposable BBQs from sale and we are working with the government to share this new statutory guidance as widely as possible and support its implementation.”
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