Dozens of disposable barbecues seized after ban

Trading standards officers in Hull have seized dozens of disposable barbecues from local retailers after carrying out checks to ensure businesses were complying with a nationwide ban.

Last week, the government imposed a temporary ban on the sale of single-use barbecues following a prolonged period of hot, dry weather and a spate of wildfires across the UK.

During a day of targeted action, officers visited more than 60 local premises and found five were still selling the items.

Councillor 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."

Commenting on the action, he said: "While the team were pleased to observe 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.

A total of 53 items were seized, with officers issuing two suspension notices.

Dolman said officers would undertake further visits to ensure "awareness and understanding".

"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," he added.

The products were seized and placed in "quarantine" to be returned when the ban was lifted.

Many large retailers and supermarkets had already voluntarily stopped selling the devices under a framework agreed in 2023 between fire chiefs and the British Retail Consortium.

More information about the ban is available on the government website.

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