Some retailers in the city were found to be breaking the temporary rules that were put in place following prolonged dry weather
Disposable barbecues have been temporarily banned from sale (stock photo)(Image: Getty Images)
More than 50 disposable barbecues have been seized by trading standards officers in Hull amid a government crackdown due to this summer’s heatwaves and wildfires.
Hull City Council’s trading standards officers have undertaken an initial series of visits to local retailers around the city, ensuring they are sticking to the new national ban on selling disposable barbecues. The government last week placed a temporary stop on the sale of the single-use items.
This means they currently cannot be supplied as they are considered to be too much of a wildfire risk when used following a prolonged period of unusually hot, dry weather this summer. And despite some recent wet weather, councillors are convinced it is the right thing to do.
Cllr Ted Dolman, whose portfolio includes Trading Standards, said: “The step to ban disposable barbecues reflects the seriousness of the risk they pose to our environment, and safety. We may have finally had a little rain but temperatures are still warm and the fire risk remains very high. The priority of our Trading Standards team is the safety of local people, which is why they have responded swiftly to these emergency measures and organised days of action this week.”
Most shopkeepers in Hull are currently abiding by the new government rules, but a limited number of retailers were breaking the rules. This means further checks will take place and councillors are urging local residents to report any retailers who continue to sell disposable barbecues.
Ensuring awareness and understanding
Cllr Dolman added: “While the team were pleased to observe that the majority of local retailers were aware of the ban, and complying, some were not. The fact that they discovered several premises with single-use barbecues still on sale, and retailers who were unaware of the decision taken by national government, highlights the importance of this local action.
“We will undertake further visits, with the aim of ensuring awareness and understanding, and taking action where necessary. Because this has been announced and come into effect so quickly, we know there may well be more retailers who have simply missed the news. And we would urge the public to play their part by keeping an eye out for any retailers which still have disposable barbecues for sale, and make us aware so we can visit and address the issue”.
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The guidelines apply to all types of disposable barbecue intended for single domestic use outdoors. Shops around the country rushed to take the products off sale last week, following the announcement.
In the first day of targeted action, more than 60 premises were visited in Hull. While trading standards officers found overall high levels of compliance, some retailers were not aware of the emergency measures, and five were still selling the barbecues. At those five premises, a total of 53 items were on the shelves.
The products were seized by the council’s staff and placed in ‘quarantine’. They will be returned when the ban is lifted – although the government has said it will remain for the ‘foreseeable future’. Officers also issued two suspension notices, which prevent retailers selling the banned goods.
The national decision to suspend sales of disposable barbecues was prompted by widespread wildfires throughout the UK over the summer, including dangerous blazes in Yorkshire. The fires have been fuelled by weeks of hot weather without any rain.
Humberside Fire and Rescue Service has backed the new temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues. A spokesperson said: “We welcome the government’s decision of a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues, particularly during periods of prolonged hot, dry weather when the risk of wildfire is significantly increased.
“Disposable barbecues present several hazards. They can remain extremely hot for hours after use and have been linked to grass and wildfire incidents across the country. They are also often left behind in parks, open countryside and coastal areas, creating risks for others, wildlife and the wider environmental impact. Our focus is on public safety and is supportive of measures that help reduce the number of preventable fires and protect communities, countryside and emergency services.”
Reports on disposable barbecues still being for sale can be made by email to HullTradingStandards@hullcc.gov.uk or via the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133, who will then liaise with local teams.
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