THOSE planning a BBQ over the weekend might want to watch out for a rule that could cost you hundreds.
With another sunny weekend on the horizon, it’s a good time to make sure you’re up to date on the small print to avoid hefty fines.
GettyUsing a BBQ on a balcony could present a fire risk, so could face restrictions from building management[/caption]
GettyYou could be made to pay damages, or even face eviction in some cases[/caption]
The rule specifically applies to people planning on hosting the cookout on a balcony in a leased building.
Those who fail to abide by the rules could be fined more than £300.
While it’s not against the law to hold a barbecue on a balcony, it is generally frowned upon by building management.
The balcony itself could be made of combustible materials, making it a fire hazard, in addition to the nuisance it could cause neighbours.
Barbecue Team Leader and Buyer at BBQ specialists Hayes Garden World, Ian Hodgett told The Mirror: “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 building management has prohibited the use of BBQs on balconies, the consequences of failing to abide by the rules could be severe.
Ian said you could be left having to pay for damages, having deductions made from your deposit, or even face eviction.
Balconies aren’t the only place that face restrictions on the summery social event.
Barbecuing near a main road could also put you at risk of hefty fines.
If the smoke drifts into the road and blocks drivers’ visibility, you could be issued with a Nuisance Abatement notice under the Environmental Protection Act 1990.
This carries a fine of up to £5,000 if you fail to comply with the notice, and could result in you being taken to court.
In addition, Ian advises: “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.”
Restrictions are also in place on some land owned by the National Trust.
Usually the properties will have dedicated areas where you are allowed to get a barbecue going.
These are usually on concrete surfaces, as the dry grass can make it a high risk for fire to spread.
It becomes particularly dangerous during peak temperatures over the summer, and could lead to a blanket ban across the National Trust land in some cases.
Ian advises grillers to “check whether your local council has issued a Public Spaces Protection Order which bans the use of a BBQ on National Trust Land.”
Fines for breaching these rules are usually council-specific.
For example, Kirklees Council charges a fixed penalty notice of £150.
Failure to pay this initial fine could result in a court conviction and a fine of up to £1,000.
Local councils may also impose restrictions on parks in the area.
Typically they will allow disposable BBQs in a designated area if precautions are taken to reduce fire risk.
In London the rules are generally more stringent, with Brent Council imposing fines of £100.
Even if councils don’t impose restrictions on BBQs, it is crucial to make sure you don’t leave any litter behind – including disposable BBQs.
This could leave you facing fines of up to £2,500 or a fixed penalty notice if decided by the local council.
Alternatively littering carries a standard fine of £75.
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