UK bans disposable barbecues amid heatwave
Analysis based on 8 articles · First reported Aug 14, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026
The temporary ban on disposable barbecues will reduce sales for retailers and manufacturers of these products, potentially impacting their short-term revenues. The broader heatwave and drought conditions may affect agricultural output, water utilities, and increase costs for firefighting and public health services.
The UK government has issued a temporary ban on the sale of disposable barbecues across the country, citing the grills as a significant fire hazard during the ongoing heatwave and drought. The ban, announced after a meeting of the Cobra emergency committee, prohibits the sale of single-use grills both in stores and online. Prime Minister Andy Burnham had earlier urged retailers to voluntarily suspend sales. Major retailers including Walmart — Asda, Tesco, Sainsbury s, Cooperative, Wilko, and The Range have already removed the products from shelves. The move comes as England and Wales face record heat, with temperatures reaching 38.1C at Kew Gardens, and as wildfire risk remains high. The United Kingdom — UK Health Security Agency has extended an amber heat health alert across much of England, warning of health risks to vulnerable individuals. Drought conditions persist across nearly three-quarters of England and all of Wales, with reservoir levels in England dropping to 66% capacity, according to the United Kingdom — Environment Agency.
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