Major UK supermarkets, including Asda, Sainsbury's, Tesco, and Co-op, have removed disposable barbecues from their shelves to mitigate the risk of wildfires during the current heatwave and drought conditions. This action follows a letter from Labour MP Jon Pearce urging retailers to suspend sales of single-use grills, and it aligns with guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) and the British Retail Consortium (BRC).
Retailers Act on Fire Safety Concerns
Asda has pulled disposable BBQs from all its stores, joining Sainsbury's, which has paused sales until August 12. Tesco and the Co-op had already stopped selling them in July. Wilko and The Range have also taken the products off shelves, while Aldi, Lidl, Waitrose, and M&S have not sold disposable grills since 2022.
The coordinated action comes as the UK experiences record-breaking temperatures and prolonged dry spells, creating ideal conditions for wildfires. Last summer was the worst on record for wildfires, and this year is projected to surpass it, according to MP Jon Pearce.
MP Calls for Government Action
Jon Pearce, Labour MP for High Peak in Derbyshire, wrote to retail giants last week, asking them to stop selling single-use grills. He praised the retailers for taking the lead but stressed the need for a broader response. "The big retailers are taking the lead, which is great, but now we need the others to come in behind them," he said.
Pearce emphasized the urgency: "Asking them to suspend sales this summer is to deal with the immediate problem but we have to accept the fact that the climate has changed. Last summer was the worst on record for wildfires. This year will almost certainly surpass it. We need to adapt quickly to our changing climate and start planning for next summer now."
Retailers Cite Environmental Responsibility
A Co-op spokesperson explained the decision: "Co-op takes its environmental and community responsibilities extremely seriously and has a long-standing policy for the safe sale of disposable BBQs, supported by the NFCC. Due to the very hot weather and drought conditions the UK is currently experiencing, and in line with the NFCC guidance, we have voluntarily removed all disposable BBQs from sale for a temporary period."
Tesco also confirmed its stance: "As a responsible retailer Tesco follows the voluntary code on the sale of disposable barbecues created by the British Retail Consortium and the NFCC. In line with the code, we have temporarily removed disposable barbecues from sale across our stores and online."
Growing Pressure for Permanent Ban
Pearce added that the government must act proactively: "The Government needs to genuinely look at what's happening. It's great retailers are supporting us this summer but I would expect the Government to look at the risks and act ahead of next summer."
The move has been widely supported by environmental groups, who argue that disposable BBQs pose a significant fire hazard, especially in rural and grassland areas. The NFCC has previously called for a ban on the sale of disposable barbecues during periods of high fire risk, and the BRC's voluntary code encourages retailers to remove them from sale when conditions are extreme.
With the UK experiencing more frequent heatwaves due to climate change, the temporary measures may become a permanent feature in retail policy. For now, consumers are urged to use alternative grilling methods, such as gas or electric BBQs, to reduce the risk of accidental wildfires.
