BBQ mistake could land you £500 fine as warmer weather hits the UK
AS the weather warms up, Brits need to be aware of the rules before firing up the grill this spring/summer.
Brits looking for a sunny BBQ session with mates this summer could fork out hundreds of pounds in penalty if they are not careful.
Around 240 accidental fires are caused by barbecues each year in England alone, Romford Record reports.
While there’s no outright ban on BBQs or bonfires, you might get caught out if they are deemed to be causing a nuisance.
This means no excessive smoke, pollution or disturbing the neighbours. Smoke drifting onto roads or lighting up the grill too often could land you in trouble.
Islington Council warns that public BBQ nuisances could result in a court appearance. If convicted, you could face a hefty fine from the magistrates.
Some councils have designated BBQ zones to keep things under control. If you’re caught grilling outside of these areas, you could be fined on the spot.
It’s best to finish BBQs by 9pm to avoid complaints from locals.
Anyone ignoring this rule could face a level 2 fine of £500, and can also be asked vacate the area.
Most of the time, council officers will give you a warning before issuing fines.
It’s always worth checking your local council’s website to find the relevant laws to avoid any nasty surprises.
Speaking to The Sun last year, a property expert revealed four BBQ mistakes that anyone can make and get slapped with fines worth thousands as a result.
Kelly Whittington, property claims director at Aviva, told The Sun: “Barbecues and fire pits are popular features in millions of UK gardens, and they can be a brilliant addition to social events.
“But they also come with risks, and if not watched carefully, they can quickly get out of hand with potentially disastrous consequences.”
The four BBQ mistakes you must avoid
Leaving barbecues unattended - £6,000
BBQs often come out for social gatherings and family events where it can be easy to get distracted.
But leaving one unattended even for just a few seconds can cause a fire to quickly grow out of control.
Research by Aviva found the average cost of claims where unattended BBQs lead to fires is between £2,000 to £6,000.
So if you aren’t covered by home insurance, it could see you having to fork out thousands of pounds.
Storing your BBQ wrong – from £40 to £100s
It might be tempting to leave your BBQ outside, but that might prove tempting to thieves.
Again, if you weren’t covered by insurance, this would mean having to fork out for the cost of the BBQ.
Instead, it is worth storing it in a garage or somewhere else safe and secure, like a shed that’s padlocked.
Some policies only cover you if you can prove you locked a garden item away too.
Know the rules – £5,000
If you are found creating a nuisance in public while BBQing, you could be fined up to £5,000.
Fines of this type are enforced by the council.
Kelly said: “It’s worth knowing that neighbours can report you if they think your fires are causing a nuisance – which could lead to a fine of up to £5,000.”
To avoid landing yourself in this situation, Kelly suggested maintaining an open dialogue.
She said: “You might want to tell your neighbour about any BBQ, in case they’ve put their washing out.
“And be mindful about not placing the BBQ near to any fences or trees.
“We have seen claims where people have set fire to trees and fences in their neighbours’ garden.”
Dispose of waste carefully – £40
It might not be the funnest part of a BBQ, but disposing of any coals or ashes in the right way could save you a few pounds.
If you put them in the bin before they have cooled down, you might end up setting it on fire.
Not only will this mean having to replace the bin, but it could lead to far greater consequences.
It comes after a property expert revealed four BBQ blunders that anyone can make and get slapped with fines worth thousands.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing money-sm@news.co.uk.
Plus, you can join our Sun Money Chats and Tips Facebook group to share your tips and stories