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Before you start packing a picnic basket and heading out to your favourite spot or picnic tables, it’s important to refresh your knowledge of public BBQ laws that apply to the UK. As we say goodbye to the last of the cold weather before spring, many of us are already planning our first BBQ and while some of us may have a home with a garden for this purpose, others do not and will look at public areas such as parks and green areas for an outdoor gathering.
27,000 fires are started on grass, heathland, and moorland every year in the UK[i], which is why public parks and greens have very strict regulations regarding having an open fire BBQ and some areas prohibit them altogether.
This is all information you need to know so that your favourite grilled sausages and chicken wings don’t land you in a spot of bother.
Is It Against the Law to BBQ in Public Spaces?
There are very distinct laws when it comes to having a BBQ in public spaces in the UK[ii] and to avoid a hefty fine, you need to know them. Using the “I didn’t know” defence won’t spare you.
Depending on where you live, or even where you visit, some areas completely prohibit lighting any fires, including BBQ fires in all outdoor spaces including parks as well as green public spaces. However, in most parts of the UK, you can light up and enjoy a BBQ with family and friends as long as you do so in areas designated for BBQing and take precautionary measures to ensure the fire is fully contained so there is little to no risk of stray sparks scorching grassland or public benches in parks, etc.
To avoid being fined for BBQing in an unauthorized area or worse, causing a grass fire, you should always check with the local council to see where, when and if you can have a BBQ in any of the public areas intended for this purpose. During dry periods and extremely hot weather, extra fire restrictions may also be enforced due to the increased risk of fires at a time when much of the landscape is tinder dry.
It’s worth checking each time you set out to BBQ in public, as regulations can change over time. In fact, disposable BBQs are likely to be outlawed completely in the UK after glaring evidence has shown they are responsible for many fires. Now might be a good time to invest in a portable fire bowl that is deep enough to keep the coals contained and less likely for embers or sparks to be picked up by the wind and blown all over the place.
Find your local council here to check specific guidelines.
What Are the Dangers of BBQing In Public?
Anytime you are dealing with fire, even for a simple BBQ, safety should be your first consideration. Whether you are lighting up the BBQ in your backyard or a public space, the last thing you want or need is an out-of-control fire. This is particularly critical during the summer during hot spells when vegetation is incredibly dry. Under these conditions, all it takes is a single stray spark for a wildfire to become a major problem for animals, trees and even local residents. This is why the laws regarding public BBQing are in place and why you need to be aware of any additional restrictions during peak fire season.
Whether you are BBQing at home or in public spaces, you need to follow the same safety guidelines to avoid turning a happy family day into a catastrophe. One of the worst offenders are makeshift or disposable BBQs. Many people think a makeshift fire pit made of rocks or bricks is sufficient but there are often too many gaps for sparks to fly out of as well as the fact that these need a considerable amount of time to cool down so they can be dismantled when the BBQ is over. Disposable BBQs are not much better as they are quite flimsy and you need to place them on the ground. The residual heat can damage the grass these BBQs are almost impossible to dispose of until the fire and embers have completely burned out and everything has cooled. All too often, people leave them behind and left unattended, these can become a serious hazard.
Read Our Cooking Guide To BBQ Safely In Public or Private
Where Can I BBQ In Public?
You may be wondering, “Where can I BBQ in public?”. There is no simple answer to this question and public BBQ laws in the UK vary from one council to the next and some ban them in public spaces altogether.
With so many rules and regulations regarding BBQing in public[iii], it’s easy to feel discouraged and think you may never have a BBQ picnic with family and friends again. However, as strict as the laws are, there are still more than enough places where you can enjoy this time-honoured summer ritual. Here are some places where you can enjoy this family favourite pastime:
Local Parks
Many local councils around the UK have parks with designated BBQ areas. These areas tend to be designed to minimise any risk of grass burning and maybe paved, concreted or feature gravel which is less likely to burn. BBQing in these areas is generally safe with almost no risk of a fire breaking out. These areas are also dedicated for BBQs to avoid people setting up all over parks and destroying grassland. Even if there are no grass fires, the heat from a BBQ can destroy the grass beneath it. The other reason is smoke. Designated BBQ areas also ensure the smoke from BBQs is contained to a single area and won’t bother other park visitors who may simply be there to spend some time outdoors.
Private Property
Okay, so technically, private property isn’t a public space but some landowners in country areas don’t mind families getting together for a BBQ on their land. However, if you do choose to BBQ on private property, you must have permission from the landowner and ensure there are no permanent or temporary restrictions in place. If you do have permission to BBQ on private property, ensure you do so where the land is somewhat flat and a considerable distance from tall grass and trees.
Beaches
Some beaches around the UK are famous for being great BBQ areas while other beaches do not permit BBQing in any form. Where beach BBQs are permitted you may be limited to using a disposable BBQ or a small, portable fire bowl. Where these are allowed, you will still need to ensure the embers in the BBQ are completely out and anything you bring to the beach, you will need to take with you when you leave.
Wherever you BBQ in the UK, you must make sure to follow the countryside code. Leave your surroundings as you found them.
BBQ Safety Tips
If you have a favourite public BBQ spot, you should always follow a few safety tips[iv]:
- Always check the condition of your BBQ – if your BBQ is riddled with holes, get them repaired or replace it
- Make sure your BBQ is set up on a flat surface – Stability is of the utmost importance to prevent the BBQ from tipping over
- Choose your spot wisely – If you are BBQing in country areas or camping grounds, make sure you set up your BBQ away from buildings, trees and other vegetation.
- Keep children and pets at a safe distance – Children are naturally curious and fascinated by fire. It only takes a split second for little hands to reach out and even small burns can be serious. Pets may also be lured by the smell of meat so keep them indoors or tied up while BBQing.
- Keep water within reach – If you’re at home, keep a bucket of water or garden hose within reach in case the fire takes on a mind of its own. If you’re out in a public space, make sure you have a bucket of water nearby.
- Ensure the BBQ is cool before you call it a day – Whether you are cooking on a portable fire bowl or a disposable BBQ, make sure the fire is completely out and the BBQ has cooled before you clean up and put things away.
Read More: Fire Pit & BBQ Safety
The Golden Rule – Never Leave the BBQ Unattended
While there are strict laws regarding public BBQ laws in the UK, that should not stop you from enjoying some outdoor summer cooking with family and friends. Make sure you know which laws are applicable in your area or the area you want to BBQ in and, during the peak summer dry spells, check for additional restrictions. Public BBQ laws in the UK have been put into place to protect people and property as well as avoiding out of control wildfires. Enjoy the summer BBQ season responsibly.
Sources
[i] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/475175/Fire-Safety-Outdoors.pdf
[ii] https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/read-this/these-are-the-laws-on-having-barbecues-in-uk-public-parks-369909
[iii] https://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/barbecue-park-beach-rules-uk-12862810
[iv] https://www.fireservice.co.uk/safety/barbecue/
Anna is the marketing and office manager for Garden Benches – a premium supplier of high-quality wooden benches and other outdoor furniture.
Anna is the marketing and office manager for Garden Benches – a premium supplier of high-quality wooden benches and other outdoor furniture.
