Nothing quite says summer in the UK like firing up a BBQ with family and friends.
However, if you’re planning to do it somewhere other than your own back garden, there are a few rules worth knowing first. Public parks, beaches, and green spaces all come with their own set of restrictions when it comes to lighting a fire, and getting it wrong could land you with a fine rather than a nice afternoon outdoors.
Every year, thousands of fires break out on grass and open land across the country, which is exactly why these rules exist in the first place. Here’s everything you need to know before you pack the coals and head out.
Is it actually against the law to BBQ in public places?
The rules around BBQing in public spaces vary a lot depending on exactly where you are, and saying you didn’t know the rules won’t get you out of a fine if you break them. Some councils ban open fires and BBQs completely across all their parks and green spaces, while others are much more relaxed about it.
In most parts of the country, though, you can still enjoy a BBQ in public as long as you stick to areas that are specifically set aside for it, and take sensible steps to stop sparks from spreading. You should always check with your local council before you head out, since rules can differ hugely from one area to the next and can change without much warning.
These rules exist for good reason.
Fire safety is the main reason behind all of this, and for good reason. A single stray spark on dry grass during a hot spell can turn into a proper wildfire within minutes, putting animals, trees and nearby homes at serious risk.
During particularly dry or hot periods, councils often bring in extra restrictions on top of the usual rules, since the risk of fire spreading gets a lot higher when everything around is bone dry. You should always double-check before you go, even if you’ve BBQed in the same spot plenty of times before.
Watch out for disposable and makeshift BBQs.
Disposable BBQs might seem like the easy option, but they’re actually one of the biggest causes of fires in public spaces. They’re flimsy, sit directly on the ground, and the heat underneath can scorch grass badly, sometimes leaving permanent damage behind.
Homemade fire pits made from rocks or bricks aren’t much safer either, since there are usually gaps where sparks can easily escape. Because of how many fires disposable BBQs have caused, some areas are now looking at banning them altogether, so consider a proper portable fire bowl instead, since these keep the coals much more contained.
Where are you actually allowed to BBQ?
With so many rules floating around, it’s easy to assume BBQing in public just isn’t worth the hassle anymore, but there are still plenty of places where it’s fine. Local parks often have designated BBQ spots, usually set on paved, concreted or gravelled ground rather than grass, which massively cuts down the risk of a fire ever starting.
These designated areas also help keep smoke away from other people simply trying to enjoy a walk or a picnic nearby. Beaches can be another good option too, though rules vary a lot from beach to beach, so make sure to check locally before you set anything up.
BBQing on someone else’s land is fine—as long as they say it’s okay, of course.
Private land isn’t technically a public space, but plenty of landowners in rural areas are happy to let people BBQ there, as long as you ask first. Getting clear permission from the landowner before you set anything up is essential, since assuming it’s fine could get you into trouble.
If you are given the go ahead, try to pick a flat spot well away from tall grass, trees, or anything else that could easily catch a spark. You should also check whether there are any specific restrictions the landowner wants you to follow while you’re there.
Certain simple safety habits are important to follow every single time.
Whether you’re BBQing at home or out in public, a few basic habits go a long way towards keeping everyone safe. Always check your BBQ over before using it, since one full of holes or rust is much more likely to let sparks escape than a well-maintained one.
Set it up on flat, stable ground, so there’s no risk of it tipping over, and keep it a safe distance from trees, buildings, or anything else that could catch fire easily. Keeping a bucket of water or a hose nearby is always a smart move, too, just in case things don’t go quite to plan.
Keeping children and pets safe around the fire is important.
Kids are naturally curious about fire, and it only takes a split second for little hands to reach out and get burned. Keeping children at a safe distance throughout the whole time the BBQ is lit is one of the simplest ways to avoid an accident ruining the day.
Pets can be just as much of a risk, too, since the smell of cooking meat is often too tempting for them to resist. Keeping animals indoors or safely tied up while the BBQ is going helps avoid any nasty surprises for everyone involved.
Make sure to finish up safely once the food’s all done.
The most important rule of all is never to leave a BBQ unattended, even for a few minutes, since fires can spread far faster than most people expect. Once you’re finished cooking, make sure the coals or fire bowl are completely cool before you even think about packing up and leaving.
Take everything you brought with you, including any rubbish or leftover disposable BBQs, rather than leaving them behind for someone else to deal with. Leaving your spot exactly as you found it means the next family can enjoy the same space just as much as you did.
